In 1979 – just after I was elected to Parliament – I was asked to become a Trustee of the charity Crisis at Christmas, founded by the Cabinet Minister, Iain Macleod, and then presided over by his widow, Lady Borve Macleod. Having been Chairman of the Housing Committee in Liverpool and seen homelessness first hand, I readily agreed. I spent part of a couple of Christmases volunteering at their Christmas night shelter. Within a couple of years we changed the name to simply “Crisis” – the epidemic of homelessness having become a scandalous every day phenomenon. I later became a Patron of Crisis and have supported it for four decades. In Parliament this week they launched their latest campaign to end this scourge. I would never have believed, in 1979, that it would still be necessary for Crisis to undertake this work. In one of the world’s richest countries people should not be reduced to sleeping on streets just a stone’s throw from our Parliament.
At the launch of World Homeless Day on October 10th in the Houses of Parliament.
November 13th 2018 Empty Housing Question
Lord Alton of Liverpool (CB)
My Lords, will the Minister say what is being done to ensure that, where landlords own properties that are empty, they will be listed on the register? What can be done to incentivise landlords who own empty properties to put them into use for people who are in housing need? Can he tell the House how many properties owned by private landlords are standing empty in the country today?
Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth
My Lords, I am not able to give the noble Lord that information from the Dispatch Box, but I will write to him with those figures, in so far as they are available. In relation to empty properties, he will be aware that some time ago we took legislation through this House to increase the ability of local authorities—indeed, we increased it further here than did the Commons—to charge a higher council tax for empty properties. I think that that will go some way towards dealing with the important issue he refers to.
Ministerial reply On Empty Housing in UK – currently 605,891 – 560,259 in the private sector
Click here: Empty Housing
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On the 10th of October 2018 people around the world will mark World Homeless Day in many varied ways and change the lives of homeless people in their local community.
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World Homeless Day is an annual event on the 10th of October.
History
The concept of ‘World Homeless Day’ emerged from online discussions between people working to respond to homelessness from various parts of the world.
The Inaugural World Homeless Day was marked on the 10th of October 2010.
Since its founding, World Homeless Day has been observed on every continent except Antarctica, in several dozen countries.
Use of the idea of ‘World Homeless Day’ is open for all to use… anywhere in the world.
Purpose
The purpose of World Homeless Day is to draw attention to homeless people’s needs locally and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to homelessness, while taking advantage of the stage an ‘international day’ provides.
How To Make a Difference
- educate people about homeless issues
- celebrate and support local good works
- highlight local issues
- donate to local service providers
- volunteer and provide hands on help
- invite a guest speaker
- host a fundraiser
- get social #worldhomelessday @homelessday
Collaborate & Double Your Impact
Once you identify the local service provider for homeless people you want to rally support behind…. for example if they suggest clean socks; or food items; or an item they need funds to buy or just general fundraising…. use your local networks to rally even greater support:
- schools
- churches
- service clubs
- local businesses
- where you work
- who else?
World Homeless Day is something you can point to on the calendar each year and use to make a significant difference in your local community.
Suggestions for Politicians
- Acknowledge World Homeless Day officially
- Point out the good works of service providers
- Release new funds each year on the date
- Form an advisory group on homelessness
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY0hpyDXzoo?rel=0]
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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THxtcWNw3QA?rel=0&showinfo=0]
Rethink Homelessness Video
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krRgZfNBlew?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0]
Performing Arts in Australia
A WHD conference organised by locals in Zambia.
Activists in the U.S. reclaim an Abandon Building
Street Protests on World Homeless Day
London: School Students Gather for a Dress Up Day to raise money for a Guest Speaker from a local charity.
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