After I created an image to use in a New Year post, I thought I would write a short poem, prose or something along the lines of how New Year is the epitome of optimism. However, it did not turn out the way I intended, but I decided to post it anyway, with a different image of course.
New Year is a time for optimism. It is a good time for new beginnings with hope in your heart. For some it is not, because they are devoid of hope. Their souls are empty because they have become homeless. There are many people who are in employment who have to use food banks. Working AND hungry are not words that should be in the same sentence.
For some of those in other parts of the world, there is no end to the anguish of having been displaced from their country. Refugee’s from countries where war has been thrust upon them do not have much say in the direction their lives are headed.
As I write this, my hierarchy of needs are relatively well catered for, but I am aware the dice can tumble in the wrong direction and land badly for anyone at any time, so I am grateful for being in the position I am in.
I will always remember the Welshman that I met 18 years ago who was living on the streets in Bournemouth. He was sitting on the wet pavement and politely asked me if I could spare any money. I stopped to talk to him and he explained the reason for his current predicament was because he had left home searching for work and his funds were completely depleted.
I could relate to his story and empathise with him, because I left Scotland when I was a young man in search of work. He went on to explain that people think he is either an alcoholic or a drug addict because he is homeless and asking strangers for money. He was just a man trying his best to get on in life.
When I see someone who is homeless I am aware that they have had better times, but I am also aware that the downward spiral they are on will get worse unless their basic needs are met. Often there is no recovering from losing your job and your home.
2,627 homeless people have died on the streets of England and Wales in the last 5 years. It is a trend that will continue to increase.
Whether it is people suffering on the street in the UK or refugees in other countries going through hell, the one common factor in it all, it is the mega-rich pulling the strings in the background that are responsible.
Ronnie's Blog 
I don’t know how often you are back here to see it but the number of homeless on the streets has increased massively here too. It’s awful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have not been to Scotland for a while, but I have heard about it. Pretty grim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good, heartfelt thoughts Ronnie. Yes, the homeless are from all backgrounds and walks of life. I would love to see organizations and governments create more training and housing developments to help those in need, to create their own livelihood. Those with means can make it happen but I’m concerned there is not sufficient care and love in the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ron.
Social cleansing in places like London, to make way for rich people, is manufactured homelessness. The changes to the welfare system in the UK ensure that there will be an increasing amount of homeless families.
You are right about those with the means can make it happen, but in a lot of cases they are a big part of the problem, not the solution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It makes since Ronnie and I suspect the problem will have a solution until more people have compassion – not necessarily “giving a fish for a meal but teaching and helping others to fish so they’ll eat for a lifetime.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post Ronnie. We count our blessings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lara.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Homelessness is a universal problem. Even the wealthiest countries have people dying on the street, children homeless. This is a wonderful post drawing awareness to the situation. There’s a blog here At WP “gotta find a home” by Canadian Dennis Cardiff dedicated to helping street people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Hollie. I am familiar with Dennis’s poetry and I just checked out “gottafindahome”.
Much to the astonishment of English friends, I had difficulty in the past getting a flat (apartment) to rent in England because of my accent. An English friend phoned a number for a flat where I had been told that it was no longer available; the woman on the phone invited him to come and view the property. This was not an isolated incident.
In Southern England having a job, car and money in the bank is of no consequence if you do not speak with a suitable accent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s so much bigotry in the world Ronnie, and fear. There are laws against such actions here but since Trump opened the door to hatred it is a real struggle (not that prejudice hasn’t always been around ) . We have to resist and fight for equality and human rights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Human rights in the UK have been getting eroded for a long time, although a lot of people seem to be unaware of this. We have had protection under the European Convention of Human Rights, but once we leave the EU that will no longer apply of course. The Tories intend scrapping the UK Human Rights Act 1998.
The smoke-screen of Brexit has been used for a power-grab of the devolved powers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face — forever.”
– George Orwell
LikeLike