The other night I was wrapped up warm in bed and got to wondering about the homeless people out on the streets at this time of year. I get annoyed when I can't get my pillows 'just right'. Imagine having to sit on an ice cold bench or pavement all night? I'm not saying this to induce guilty feelings though...I'll come to my point soon.
 
After one of my classes the next day, I came downstairs and noticed a big stall set up with loads of leaflets. Being nosy as usual, I walked over and started chatting. They were promoting a local service called Nightstop. In a nutshell - these people organise emergency accommodation for homeless, vulnerable young people aged 16-25 for up to three nights at a time. There are trained 'host' volunteers who offer a room in their own home, a hot meal, a friendly chat and safety.
 
I wondered how it would go down with my two housemates and landlord if I did this. Then remembered there is only a tiny settee on offer and we wear five layers of clothing around the house rather than switch the central heating on. So, that idea was out the window.
 
HOWEVER...
 
A more feasible (and landlord-friendly) way to help, is to donate clothing and toiletries. Imagine not being able to brush your teeth? Wash your hair? Now imagine how good it would feel to be welcomed into a warm friendly home after being hungry and cold for days...
 
When I finished chatting with these nice people, I went and bought some toothpaste, toothbrush, a toothbrush case (cool invention) and some shampoo then handed them in. It's not a totally selfless thing to do (and I'm no Mother Teresa by a long shot) as I got a buzz from feeling like I had done a good deed. It's nice to know you might have made someones life a little bit easier.
 
To put this into a more personal context, Kris, my colleague at the shop shared his own experience. At seventeen, he found himself homeless and there was only so many times he could rely on friends. Consider also, the fact that his self-esteem must have taken a battering to be in a situation where he felt so dependent on others his own age. Kris came to a point where he really needed help and was referred to Nightstop.   That same day, he had a meeting with one of their volunteers so that they could determine how best to help him [note: If the young person is a drug user or is having problems with alcohol abuse, they are signposted to experts who can deal with their specific needs]. In Kris's case [not having those issues, but being homeless nevertheless], a taxi came to collect him later that day and took him to his temporary home. He said that although he felt nervous, the host was friendly and welcoming - showing him around her house, making him a cup of tea, providing food and chatting with him. When it came to using the bathroom though, Kris said "If I'm staying in someones home, I'd feel bad using their things, so to be given a welcome bag made me feel loads better".
 
This 'welcome bag' is what is put together from all those donations. Even if you just donated some deodorant or some socks or gloves, it's all good. Every little helps! I must admit, I was suprised when Kris told me that he had used Nightstop himself. Kris is now a full time apprentice, doing a job he loves and has a flat. He had nothing but good things to say about the service and said "It put me back on my feet".
 
If you would like to make a donation (clothes, hats, toiletries etc) then you could take it to Nightstop, 17 Queen Street, Redcar or alternatively, drop it off in the shop and I could arrange for it to be collected. If you want to take this a step further, other options are:
 
-Volunteering
-Becoming a host
-Driving
-Befrienders
-Collecting and organising toiletries yourself
-Making a one-off/regular donation
-Taking a money box to use on behalf of Nightstop
-Arranging for a member of Nightstop to give a presentation at your workplace
 
Well, I think that covers most of what I had to say. It's Christmas people...and it's effing cold out there.
 
Kerry x