The world is full of homeless people and the numbers continue to rise. Despite their public presence, many people avoid any contact, making them invisible. Familial and institutional backgrounds, as well as individual factors, can result in homelessness. It is a misconception that all homeless people are addicts although it is accurate to say that a certain percentage do suffer from alcohol or drug abuse. Similarly, beggars are not synonymous with homeless people however, some ask for money.
In order to receive some assistance the individual must meet specific local authority criteria. From April to June 2017, 27,470 people applied to receive help however, only 13,070 were granted their request. Furthermore, a key issue with statutory homelessness is that it may only provide an individual or a family with temporary housing and therefore, it is not a permanent solution to their problem. The reliance on local authorities is a sign of their desperation and need for support; rejection must cause immense strain particularly since they often do not have families to depend on. With no institutional support, they are isolated and alienated from society. Community and voluntary organisations help those in poverty by providing food, clothing and shelter. Homeless Action in Barnet are one of the many charity organisations that focus on actively helping the homeless. HAS was established in 1997 and aims to help individuals gain control of their life, providing them with the support they so desperately need. Their website states that “Our vision is a society where all people have a safe space to call home and are valued equally whatever their personal circumstances”.
As Aristotle famously says- “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”.
