FEATURE:
Street Spirit
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Music and Support for the Homeless
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THIS time of the year…
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there is something especially tragic seeing so many homeless people on the street. Depending on where you live, you will see people on the street, many being overlooked by the crowds. As I live in London, I see so many homeless people about. It is winter and, as the weather grows colder, I do worry what the effect will be on those sleeping rough. Those who are on the street and not sleeping anywhere with shelter will be vulnerable to the full effects of the weather and, for those who can find a doorway or shelter, there is a chance they will be moved on. Not to mention the fact many will experience attacks and abuse, and it makes for a very bleak and sombre picture. Over the past year or so, it seems there are differing reports regarding the number of homeless people in London. I am not sure whether other towns and cities are seeing their number of rough sleepers decreasing, yet it seems like London’s problem is evident. It seems, at least, in Southwark, there are positive signs:
“The Homelessness Reduction Act, in operation for the past 12 months, is potentially the greatest piece of homelessness legislation for 40 years in England, according to Southwark council in south London. The Labour-run council pioneered the government’s new flagship act, and is upbeat about it. While homelessness went up in the borough last year, as it did across London, the rise was less steep than expected: 8.6% for families placed in temporary accommodation and a similarly small increase for rough sleepers. At the same time, there was also a 50% increase in the number of people the council helped to stay in their home. “It shows the act works,” says the council’s cabinet member for housing, Stephanie Cryan.
By 2020, the £73m provided to English councils by the government over three years to implement the act runs out. There is no sign it will be renewed. The assumption from Whitehall was that savings accrued from preventing homelessness (not least from reducing the huge bill for housing homeless families in temporary accommodation) would make the act self-financing. Cryan says that in a place like Southwark, that is absurdly optimistic. Last year, even with its preventive successes, the number of homeless families in temporary accommodation rose again, from 2,300 to 2,500”.
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Maybe there are improvements in some areas of London, but the wider picture is not so satisfying. Whether it is a lack of money, displaced immigrants or other reasons, so many people are hitting the streets in order to find shelter. Of course, there are brilliant charities like Shelter and Crisis that do exceptional work and are committed to ending homelessness. I want to bring in a recent article from The Evening Standard that outlines the true extent of the homelessness problem in London:
“Homelessness in London has reached crisis point, with around 170,000 people in total now thought to be homeless in the capital.
Last year, research found that more than 6,000 people were either on the streets or sleeping in tents and public transport in London.
In the same period, 148 people died on the streets of the capital, many lying dead for hours before they were found.
Temperatures will start to plummet as we head into Christmas and with places across the UK likely to see snowfall, it can mean life or death for many.
During the winter months, the government works with local charities and churches to provide emergency cold weather shelters for the homeless when the temperature drops below freezing.
You can report a rough sleeper with the StreetLink app - https://www.streetlink.org.uk/ - or via their local council homelessness services; this makes sure they can be connected to the most appropriate local support service”.
The best ways to help those homeless you see is to chat to them and offer them hot food and drink. I always try to give money too but, although you do not know where it is going, one hopes that person will use it for food and drink, although there is that lingering sense that the money could be used the wrong way. I am one of those people who thinks giving small change is a good idea because, at the very least, that person will feel like people care – walking on and ignoring them is far worse. Of course, reporting homeless people to local authorities means someone can reach out and support them; you can donate clothing and bedding and, at the very least, one is doing their part. It is sad to realise that, once you have walked on by, you are never sure how that person is and what will happen next.
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I have noticed spots where a homeless person was one day and then, when I walk past the following day, they are gone – whether they have been moved or decided they cannot stay where they are I am not so sure. There are great charity events that use music as their backdrop, and chances for those who have experienced homelessness to be creative and use music as a way back. This is amazing, but I wonder about those who are living on the street already. It is essential these people feel as safe as possible and, where possible, members of the public do their bit. Most homeless people sleep alone. Many sleep and are in tents because they feel that isolated or they have nothing to do but watch people walk past. Some homeless people might have a book or magazine, but that is rare. Most of the homeless people I see, they seem to have no form of reading or distraction. I know many of those living on the streets cannot afford phones or radios, but I think music and radio would provide companionship and something useful. So many homeless people do not speak with others and have that important interaction. Music cannot replace human connection, but there is something powerful about music. Whilst I have already told you about a scheme/educational facility that offer creative courses to those who used to be homeless, I think introducing music at a street level can give a homeless person a sense of purpose, company and warmth. Music is an immensely varied tool that can help those with depression, anxiety and other illnesses.
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Schemes like Songs to End Homelessness are, again, great ways for those who have experienced to channel their stories into something creative. It would be expensive for everyone to donate old iPods or radios to those on the streets, but there are inexpensive solar radios that one can do the job without disturbing other people too much. Of course, a normal radio is less expensive, but there is the issue of battery replacement. I think councils and governments could donate radios like this or, if you have a bit of money after Christmas, a radio and music can provide a wonderful gift. There are those on the street who have phones so, maybe, a Spotify gift card could be another idea. Many might argue radios are way down the list of priorities but, as I say, how often do people stop and talk to homeless people? How much company do they have? There is that thing of noise disturbance and whether people will complain so, yes, earphones might be a useful addition to a radio. In any case, I think there are benefits to music. Maybe the physical health benefits would not be applied to those who are homeless, there are psychological positives one can get from listening to music.
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Aside from people directly helping those who are on the street, I do think more needs to come from the music industry itself. This year has seen more artists open up about mental-health and subjects like climate change. This is vital, as music is a platform for awareness and change. I do think it is important personal topics are explored through music, but there is a whole world out there to address and explore. I feel homelessness is not often discussed by the music industry as a whole. How many songs have there been about homelessness in general? Articles like this collate a few and, whilst many of the songs are not serious looks at homelessness, I feel change could happen if musicians got involved more. Giving to homeless people is a wonderful thing, but real change can come about when there is commitment and impact from the music industry. As we are now in 2020, we can use this year to addressing areas of society that need support and do our part – homelessness is a big concern. Whether you provide a cup of coffee, a radio or are a musician who can write a song that raises awareness (and funds) to tackle homelessness, everything counts. The numbers of rough sleepers is shocking, so I do hope we see improvement very soon. My hope – which is echoed by so many – is to help bring all the homeless people out there…
PHOTO CREDIT: @matheusferrero/Unsplash
IN from the cold.