William's Life's Work Is To End Homelessness.

[BucksorHerts]

Just seen this post about an article in the Daily Mail.
William say's life's work is to end homelessness. His father is (and soon enough himself) the largest land owner in the country.
Instead of posing with the same homeless guy year in and year out asking commoners to end homelessness surely he can carve out some of that land to build low rent flats and studios for the poorest. He never gives up any of his money for anything but is always asking. His expenses are paid for - holidays, children's fees, accommodation etc.
Or even use all the money that comes to them from people who died intestate. It's unhealthy to accumulate so much wealth without doing any work. Even doctors who study for years and save lives do not get anything close to this. It makes no sense.

https://twitter.com/IncaDove/status/1732261729869201635?s=19

How on earth can William challenge the homelessness is a lifestyle choice narrative?

The most the RF do is wear a tie of the right colours that says something, or if female a brooch that so say signifies something that most of us don't get!

By funding projects that show how services can help people move on from homelessness - which wouldn't be the case if they were choosing a lifestyle.

It's odd that it is so difficult to understand, almost as if there is another agenda here!

To be clear, I don't think an unelected group of people should have political power and extreme wealth simply by birth. But I hope that doesn't blind me to the positive actions of those who have benefitted.

Strangely enough, I can believe people with very different views to me can genuinely want to do good. And that their actions can do good, even if other actions - in my opinion - could do even better.

@parksandrecs William will not fund the projects. The Foundation that has received donations from elsewhere will. There are already lots of foundations and trusts that fund homelessness projects, including more innovative and controversial ones. As I said, we know what works.

There is no agenda parks. Just because all posters don't 100% agree with you doesn't make it some plot or other!

I hope something comes of his idea. I believe it's dear to him because of his mother and Centrepoint. Who knows where it will lead. Let's see!

Yes, I think it can do some good. Let's face it, there are plenty of people who do nothing, even a few pounds they can easily afford.

So I respect those who try to do something!

If William can get people to donate to charity who would not have of course that is good.

Recently - in the charity for our local park - someone suggested that we try to raise money for some fruit trees to make a community orchard. And several people immediately weighed in to say that it would only be vandalised.

Maybe it will. But surely it is better to try?

Otherwise we all sit around saying how awful it is, but any attempt to improve is immediately shut down. And the people who try to do something, however imperfect, then get shouted down by the ranks of critics who don't, themselves do anything.

So, those that criticise William's initiative - what are you doing?

So, those that criticise William's initiative - what are you doing?

A lot thanks. I was a Volunteer for a very well known Charity It was a huge amount of work and commitment that took over my life and I started when I went part time in my paid job, and carried on until I could do no more, just short of 10 whole years. I then got involved with another Charity, still busy with it, but nowhere near so draining.

That's great! If only so many critics would follow your example.

Hopefully a few people will also be influenced by William's involvement.

And we are still waiting for the coffee cake recipe!

As you may remember from that thread, I said celebs/royalty were not necessarily effective in bringing in funds, but can be useful in other ways if used strategically. Campaigning being one example.

Diana's example in holding the hand of the person dying of AIDS, for example, had a big impact on public opinion. But didn't directly bring in funding for AIDS charities.

I could just eat a slice now!

Me too! Haven't tasted it, but coffee cake is one of my faves,along with ginger cake!

@parksandrecs Diana made a real difference doing that. If a Royal did some work highlighting work to support asylum seekers that would also make a difference.
The Royals did used to be prepared to be more controversial, but not now.

In a context where Cabinet Ministers say homelessness is a lifestyle choice, anything that contradicts that narrative is a step forward.

But, as I have said,I am delighted that you are going out of your comfort zone on this issue

@parksandrecs I have just seen you asking what we all do. I have done tons of volunteering throughout my life and lobbying.
I agree that there is always a point trying. But I also think strategy matters. I do see people wasting time and money trying to do things in a way that has no evidence behind it and that frustrates me. For example the vast amounts of money that have been spent on anti drug programmes when we know the types of groups of children and young people at risk and should be targeting them - which some local projects do.

Glad to hear you are putting money where your mouth is.

And yes, I see strategies I don't agree with. But then, I think that's better than doing nothing.

"But, as I have said,I am delighted that you are going out of your comfort zone on this issue."

What do you mean by this?

Whatever it might mean, it's rude.

Who knows how posters on here contribute to society.

@parksandrecs I disagree. Well meaning work can and does do harm.

Please explain? in the context of William's homeless inititive

@parksandrecs I thought we were talking about general principles? An example is Live Aid.

Live Aid - white saviourism. But the money raised saved lives. A mixed legacy

As with many initiatives.

Something is better than nothing, but far from perfect

No Live Aid did not save lives. Most of the money was diverted for arms and it prolonged the civil war killing many more people. Bob Geldof was warned before the concert that this would happen and simply dismissed it saying he had to do something.
You can cause harm through good intentions.