I have been involved with Buses 4 Homeless for 6 weeks now.  In that short period of time, I have had the privilege to meet a significant number of homeless people, many of whom have been men, my age and younger.

These men had previously been business owners, professionals, employees, husbands and fathers.  And then, something happened.  Their product / service market changed; their organisation downsized; their skills became irrelevant in an ever-changing technological world.  They lost their job and their income.  Financial and emotional stress put friction between them and their partners.  The husband and father left the family home and couch-surfed with friends.  Daily CV submissions remained unanswered, debts surpassed income and the guys were out on the streets, sleeping in parks, in doorways.  They washed and shaved whenever they could, remaining respectable, in search of that elusive opportunity to work and to regain contact with their children.

Summer turns to Autumn and to Winter.  The nights grow longer, the weather colder and the reaction from pedestrians as they walk past, even frostier.

As a coping mechanism, alcohol and drugs may follow.  Alcohol and drugs are not necessarily the reason for people becoming homeless, however drink and drugs may ensure they remain homeless.

IS THAT HOW THE STORY SHOULD END?

Home is not just a roof over one's head.  It is a place of solace; of dignity; self-respect, of belonging and hopefully, one day of being loved again.  Looking past one's faults and mistakes, however deep they may run, surely one deserves a home and the opportunity to rebuild one's life.

I am requesting that you help me, help others.  Please give generously.

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