to have had an opinion of the Homeless based on no experience?

[RuleBritannia]

I often thought that some of the Homeless were feckless beings. I know that some young people had left home or been thrown out; that some businessmen had fallen on hard times but could not really understand why they were homeless.

I took most of my DH's clothes and shoes to a drop in centre for the homeless yesterday. Some homeless were standing outside chatting (a woman and a few men) but I found the office to explain why I was there - it was all I could do to get the bags into the car but I would not be able to carry them all up loads of stairs. The admin person told me that some of the men would help to carry the bags in and they did. They were pleasant to talk to and helpful when emptying the boot of my car.

I didn't know what to expect of the homeless but they didn't seem to be thieves or the type to assault. I thought about it overnight (kept waking up) and came up with the idea of helping out at a Christmas Dinner if that what the Centre does. Are my thoughts running away with me? I would draw the line at having someone to my house for a meal though because the centre is about 3 miles away.

YANBU to have had an opinion, especially if you have now revised your thoughts because you have had a small insight. You clearly aren't small minded enough that you aren't open to changing your opinion.

I don't have much experience or knowledge of homeless issues either, so I find it easiet to reserve judgement.

It's great that you are thinking of helping in some way, but from what I have heard, these centres are overrun with volunteers at Christmas. Many single people whose families are away do it, and I have had a friend that was turned away when she offered to volunteer at Christmas because they were inundated with offers. This could be very different in other areas, or even in other years though, so it would be worth finding out more from your centre. I think they are more likely to need volunteers all year round than they are at Christmas.

I was homeless at 21 I wasn't feckless or an alcky or any of the things you thought I just didn't have a house I was in a homeless flat the women next door to me had split from her husband he worked as a groundsman on an estate he threw her and the children out , upstairs was an older couple who had lost their home because he had lost his job and was evicted for non payment of rent , y
If you want to donate your time at christmas that is lovely I am glad your opinion has changed did you really think all those things about people

Shock...Amazement...Call the papers - 'Homeless people help middle class lady to her car with some bags'!.

'Homeless people' aren't some homogenous group. Everybody as a story to tell.

Some are 'feckless beings' I suspect, just like the rest of society. The vast majority have mental health problems, drug/alchohol addictions or have just fallen on hard times. Many young people come from families were they may have been abused or felt unwanted and have tried to escape.

It is lovely to want to help out. Educate yourself on the subject first though. No minority/disadvantaged group need ignorant, do-gooder types who want to wade in and help. You could end up making someone feel worse when that is not your objective.

Bwahahahaha

Sorry for laughing. I'm pleased your mind has been opened a little. Try not being so judgemental in future.

Why not help outside of Christmas - when there's generally lots of people thinking "I'll help" A random tuesday in feb tends to have less...

Um. So your preconception of homeless people was feckless, thieving, violent? How did you come to that original opinion? Still, at least you've revised it.

I always thought that 'the homeless' included a disproportionate number of the mentally ill, ex-forces, or ex-children's home people? And just the plain unlucky, given the astronomical cost of housing these days (old gimmer - was able to buy first flat on one average wage back then).

As an aside, RuleBritannia - "I took most of my DH's clothes and shoes to a drop in centre for the homeless yesterday." Was it a big argument?

I lived in a homeless hostel for a year , it was brilliant , like a cross between shameless and St Trinians ! The vast majority of people in there were normal families who had experienced a run of bad luck , with a few ' colourful ' characters thrown into the mix .

It's a very strange opening post but okay....

I think the majority (but by no means all) of street sleeping homeless in London anyway, have mental health and/or drug and alcohol problems.

I really don't think there is enough help for them...and some of the hostels are so rough that they either feel safer sleeping in a shop doorway, or they try to get arrested in order to get a bed and some food for a night - this is often what you'll hear when they're interviewed on the news

It also seems to me that the only time anyone gives a fuck about these people is for one week over the Christmas period.

I often thought that some of the Homeless were feckless beings

Seriously?? You need to open your mind a bit more if you really think/thought that!

Actually, reading the OP again, it must be a wind up!