Homeless World Cup

[Raj]

It’s primary purpose is to raise awareness of the plight of millions of people throughout the world who are homeless not because useless, incompetent, corrupt and callous governments aren’t fookin doing enough about making sure they are building enough homes for the people and sheltered accommodation for the vulnerable, but because people like us are unaware of the problem and need to do more.

Now say you’re sorry for all the misery you’re causing!

Sorry Zingari and to all the homeless.

Keep it real.

[Guest]

Yes and letting the work shy dossers go on a free holiday to play football is not going to put a roof over their heads either is it ?

I think you're being a little mean spirited, we are in 5th.

[Zingari]

I think you're being a little mean spirited, we are in 5th.

[Rincewind]

DOWN NOT OUT????

Down Not Out is a Community News Agency recently set up a by a group of people with experiences of homelessness and housing issues. They wish to pave the way forward in abolishing the ridiculous stereotypes put upon the Homeless by a society who believe that no longer having a roof of your own renders you incapable of intelligence, of productiveness and of dignity.

We aim to assist those in housing, in shared housing, in hostels and on the street to learn new skills and to gain confidence in themselves through our Media Skills Training Programme, where people can learn about any or all aspects of community reporting at their leisure within an informal environment. They will be given opportunities to support Down Not Out by volunteering with the News Agency as much or as little as they want to and in any area of their interest.

We aim to raise awareness through the media, the Internet, our website and our regular magazine of the help available to those in vulnerable housing situations. Our advice service on the website alone could assist those needing help but just not knowing what their rights are and where to go for help first, we can do take that first step with you.

We also hope to make changes where changes can be made by working either alongside or against the local government to provide better housing policies for our city. At present there are planned changes to the Welfare system and Housing benefit system that could have a huge negative impact on the services available to those with housing issues, this includes those sleeping rough, those trying to get into the hostel system, those trying to get out of the hostel system, those on housing benefit, those with private landlords and yes, you guys with mortgages too, could end up suffering the knock on effects!

We are living proof that the stereotypes are simply wrong….

We are intelligent enough to be aware that there are many varied reasons why people encounter enough difficulties that result in the loss of housing.

We are productive enough to create this forum for aiding those who are in need of help BEFORE it reaches a crisis point, at some point we all need help but we don’t all get it in time…. and that can change.

We are dignified enough to hold our heads high about all we have achieved so far … and all we aim to achieve in the future … whilst remaining humbled about our experiences and thankful to those who didn’t sit in judgment and offered us that helping hand…. with the realisation that we were indeed, Down, not Out.

[Deep Purple]

Some of the perceptions about the homeless are unbelievable.

It is ignorance. Many know and understand little about why many end up homeless.

[Rincewind]

There is a Q & A night next Thursday with some City players and I have a chance on going. Someone I work with is going to get the tickets. I can claim the cost back through expenses. As it's job related we will have to ask a question or two related to this topic if we get a chance.

It will be a night out anyway.

[Daggers]

Read the blurb. This is about showing them they can be part of something and are not completey useless. Giving them a bed doesn't do that now does it? A bit like the difference between feeding Africa through aid and treating it failry in trade so it can feed itself.

Sooner or later you'll have to go voting for someone else.

[Rincewind]

Realised that its the beer festival this week. I normally volunteer so it's two days I can't do unless I just do 4 or 5 hours. Mate is getting the tickets for the Q & A.

[Rincewind]

Have Leicester got a game next Saturday? (6th) I will be at Derby's ground for their match (who are they playing) as part of the start of the Homeles World Cup. The players from Leicester are competing to be selected for the England side I don't know what seats we'll have or what the trip includes yet. Pity City are not involved. May wear my City shirt depending on the weather.

[flowwolf]

So all homeless people are work shy tossers? Now, now Flow I thought you were a former serviceman yourself.

Come come 21st you should know me by now. :D sometimes I can't help myself.