are people strange?

farawayplanet · 09/12/2020 19:29

Yes people care, but they can't be expected to take homeless people into their homes because human beings are complex creatures and it would potentially represent a risk.

Animals are fairly simple, straightforward things who can be managed and controlled in the way a human can't be. They also don't steal, abuse drugs or alcohol, go off in your car, attack you out of malice or exploit you - with the exception of cats. I took a homeless cat in, but I wouldn't take a human in unless I knew them very well. I've been exploited by humans on numerous occasions, so I'm not interested in taking any in thanks. I have bought food for homeless people though.

Suchafunnybear · 09/12/2020 19:40

People are strange when you're a stranger...

But, seriously, a pet is much easier to take care of than an adult homeless person.

I doubt anyone wants people to be living on the streets, but how much can the average person do to help?

We can donate to charity or give money to individuals when we can, but we can't invite random strangers into our homes. We can't pay for accomodation for any and all homeless people indefinitely.

This is something the government should be tackling, so I suppose the best thing most of us can do is vote for parties that have good policies on helping homeless people.

Saz12 · 09/12/2020 19:58

Because homeless people are actually PEOPLE? With complex issues, the right to self-determination, etc. Not pets.

Crankley · 09/12/2020 19:59

Very.

Purpler5 · 09/12/2020 20:00

In answer to your OP: Is the Pope Catholic?!

lockdownalli · 09/12/2020 20:01

we never seem to care about leaving homeless people out in the cold is it just me?

What do you mean? I care very much about homeless people out in the cold and do quite a lot of work around this, as do many others.

Why are you saying people don't care about it? Do you have horrid family and friends?

WorraLiberty · 09/12/2020 20:05

It might be just you OP but I care and I know a lot of others who do too.

AcornAutumn · 09/12/2020 20:06

Yes, people are very strange

But that aside, yes, many care about this. While it’s cold, this is a good number to have handy.

I’m not out and about but when I am, I always ask the person if they’re okay with me reporting as many wont like it.

www.homeless.org.uk/our-work/national-projects/streetlink/how-streetlink-works

It’s good to buy Sanpro for women as it’s not provided in shelters often

thehomelessperiod.com/

My office generally buy hot drinks etc when we can. I’m actually quite worried about some of the regulars now we’re not there.

Your local church can also point you to ways of helping.

AcornAutumn · 09/12/2020 20:08

PS tin openers are also handy as often the ring pulls are useless.

BigBadVoodooHat · 09/12/2020 20:12

but we never seem to care about leaving homeless people out in the cold

Who are you including in the collective ‘we’ who doesn’t care?

AnnnaBananna · 09/12/2020 20:12

People are more likely to take in an animal than a person. A person represents much more of a risk because they can attack you, steal from you, argue with you, and cause problems that an animal doesn’t. It’s not that people don’t care, but it’s easier to find a home for an animal than for a person.

DemolitionWoman · 09/12/2020 20:15

In the town where I live there are several places for homeless people to seek help. We have various night shelters and food kitchens and they give advice on housing, benefits etc. Apparently there are actually more places currently available for our homeless people to stay than there are homeless people, so in theory they shouldn’t be out on the streets.
One of the issues though is that these places have rules such as you can’t be (too) drunk or drugged up, certain people would rather stay out on the streets than have to abide by the rules. It’s not always black and white.

Hayeahnobut · 09/12/2020 20:25

@DemolitionWoman A very ignorant post. One of the main reasons why people become (and remain) homeless is mental illness. The accommodation offered to homeless people is not appropriate for people in crisis, people who have experienced abuse or trauma, people experiencing psychosis. So yes, it's not always black and white, but to suggest that people remain homeless because they don't want to abide by the rules, is incredibly ignorant.

GreenlandTheMovie · 09/12/2020 20:28

My animals are a lot more civilised, polite, reliable and caring than many humans.
However, they are incredibly fortunate, because for the vast majority of animals in this world, life is short and often cruel and brutal.

Humans are mostly equipped with the tools to sort themselves out by comparison.

maddiemookins16mum · 09/12/2020 20:31

The two don’t compare.
I can hardly rescue a 50 year old male with probable (possible) alcohol, drug, MH issues and just set him up in our spare room with a 16 year female in the house.

GlitterandBalloons · 09/12/2020 20:32

I think comparing someone inviting a homeless person into their home who would require a bed, human standard food, privacy etc to having a cat who sleeps on a cushion and eats catfood is a bit of a stretch and thats before you factor in all the risks that come with inviting another human into your dwelling who may be struggling with addiction, mental health issues, who may in desperation steal or damage property or harm a family member.
I care about the homeless but I cant risk bringing them into my home, unless of course it was someone I already knew that fell on hard times and I knew exactly who I was dealing with. I try to donate to charities either money or supplies and I often used to buy a hot drink or some chocolate for people.

DemolitionWoman · 09/12/2020 21:07

[quote Hayeahnobut]@DemolitionWoman A very ignorant post. One of the main reasons why people become (and remain) homeless is mental illness. The accommodation offered to homeless people is not appropriate for people in crisis, people who have experienced abuse or trauma, people experiencing psychosis. So yes, it's not always black and white, but to suggest that people remain homeless because they don't want to abide by the rules, is incredibly ignorant.[/quote]
Would you care to read my post again?
Specifically the points where I say "One of the issues" and also "Certain people".

Please tell me where I have said the ONLY issue is...and, that ALL homeless people...

Tulipshoots · 09/12/2020 21:16

I am a really amazing and unusual person because I care about both!
What’s even more incredible is that I give money to charities that support both. Mind blowing.

DrDetriment · 09/12/2020 21:18

Yes people are strange, which is why it often isn't advisable to invite them into your home.

Original poster

firthy85 · 10/12/2020 05:27

i'm not saying taking lots of strangers into your home that would be weird. and it is fantastic some of you give to charities for the homeless. i just meant its sad how many people walk on the other side of the road to avoid them almost like forgetting they are still people. but see a stray cat in the road and they can't do enough.

OP posts:

Tinkerbell456 · 10/12/2020 06:37

I think people do care about homeless people, but bringing a stranger into your home is far riskier than a cat or a dog. A cat or a dog is probably not going to steal from you or murder you or yours in the night. Not saying that homeless people would do either of these things but being humans, often with cognitive issues of one sort or another, it’s riskier than a pet. What needs to happen, in my opinion, is that there needs to be far more assistance for homeless people in terms of shelter and help with mental health or drug/ alcohol issues etc. Help with their immediate needs and to get back on their feet. Sadly, in my neck of the woods, there is a huge demand for scarce services.

stackemhigh · 10/12/2020 06:42

but see a stray cat in the road and they can't do enough.

Not sure I’ve ever ‘seen’ a stray cat, in the UK, I’ve always assumed they have owners.

SharonasCorona · 10/12/2020 06:48

I just meant its sad how many people walk on the other side of the road to avoid them almost like forgetting they are still people.

Isn’t the advice generally to give to charities rather than the individual?

I know that’s quite simplistic and there’s a school of thought that says even if you give someone a £1 and they spend it on booze it’s their right to decide how they spend the money, which I agree with to an extent, and better than buying random food for the person that they may not want.

For my own part, most homeless people I come across are men and I must admit I am wary of men in general.

Suzi888 · 10/12/2020 06:56

In the town where I live there are several places for homeless people to seek help. We have various night shelters and food kitchens and they give advice on housing, benefits etc. Apparently there are actually more places currently available for our homeless people to stay than there are homeless people, so in theory they shouldn’t be out on the streets.
One of the issues though is that these places have rules such as you can’t be (too) drunk or drugged up, certain people would rather stay out on the streets than have to abide by the rules. It’s not always black and white.
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Yesterday 20:25 Hayeahnobut

@DemolitionWoman A very ignorant post. One of the main reasons why people become (and remain) homeless is mental illness. The accommodation offered to homeless people is not appropriate for people in crisis, people who have experienced abuse or trauma, people experiencing psychosis. So yes, it's not always black and white.

You are both correct. Some people are actually offered an abundance of help, yet choose to remain homeless.
Giving money isn’t wise, asking the person what they’d like is a good idea. A sandwich/ drink/ even clothing etc.

Anotherlovelybitofsquirrel · 10/12/2020 07:05

i sometimes was thinking this. pets are our world as they should gbe, but we never seem to care about leaving homeless people out in the cold is it just me?

What do you do for homeless people out in the cold OP?

I hate this " is it just me" that's become so popular. Oh yes it's just you because you're so unique. The two are not mutually exclusive. Comparing having pets to people homeless by choice or otherwise is rather ridiculous.