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How far should I go to help a homeless lady?

10 replies

Bonitalazenia · 13/07/2023 17:28

This lady appears newly homeless in my area, you get to know the regulars. First met her about 3 weeks ago when she was in the lobby of my flats. No clear explanation of who she was there to see or where they lived.
Seen her a few times since and she's obviously sleeping rough. She's mid-thirties and attractive but becoming more dishevelled. I have spoken to her, she says she not homeless, she has a home (possibly London I think) but needs space. I don't want to pry and in any case she is vague. Today there was a downpour and i really felt tempted to bring her inside for a shower and shelter as I could see her trying to shelter from the rain. My neighbours say absolutely don't get involved.
The local Police are aware of her from numerous reports of her trying to enter properties. She has asked me if there are any caves nearby? (We are on the coast)
I have advised her of some local homelessness charities but she's non-committal.
Any advice welcome.

OP posts:
orangeleavesinautumn · 13/07/2023 17:31

you have already advised her of local homeless charities, leave it to her to contact them. She will be dealt with professionally, without anyone putting themselves at risk - which you would be doing if you took her into your home

PTSDBarbiegirl · 13/07/2023 17:34

Homeless charities are good at keeping abreast of newcomers. Absolutely do not invite this woman into your property or give her money. You could give her some food and a hot coffee, a hat, socks or something. There could be someone lurking nearby watching her, she could be part of an organised group. If you have The BIG Issue being sold contact their offices they may be aware of changes in the homeless community of your area.

PimpMyFridge · 13/07/2023 17:34

She's a complete unknown quantity and doesn't seem to have really engaged with your kind attempts to help her navigate the available channels.
So that's not a green light for throwing your doors open, you'd be throwing help at her rather than responding to her which doesn't seem the right way round really.

Bemyclementine · 13/07/2023 17:34

Put in a streetlink report.

Theunamedcat · 13/07/2023 17:35

Do not take her into your home!

She has a home she won't use claims to need space won't go to a homeless charity (in our area they give you a tent and point you towards a plot you can camp on without hassle) she sounds like she has a few issues kindness can't cure

Bonitalazenia · 13/07/2023 17:58

She does appear to have issues. She asked me if I know of anybody selling a van for about £4K. She appeared to carrying a straw coloured liquid in a cola bottle…
Also she told me that she has qualifications in HR Management. She’s well spoken so it’s feasible. She said she made her way here to get to France and actually made the ferry trip but hadn’t thought about the reality of not knowing the language so came back.
Thanks for the advice and good to know I haven’t done the wrong thing in not inviting her in.

OP posts:
Bonitalazenia · 13/07/2023 18:00

@Bemyclementine I’ll look into streetlink, thank you!

OP posts:
Bemyclementine · 13/07/2023 21:09

It will being her to the attention of a local outreach team who can offer her assistance.

DNLove · 01/08/2023 14:59

Stay well away. Report her to relevant authorities. She sounds unhinged and you don't know if, how or when she could snap. There's always a reason why people become homeless and her sounds like a mental health issue. You're not qualified to help, don't take it on.

caringcarer · 01/08/2023 15:42

I might buy her a sandwich and a coffee if I saw her around.

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