Don’t punish homeless for being out of work, Crisis charity urges

Rough sleeper with sleeping bag on the streets [pictures: Sam Mellish] (Image: Sam Mellish)

Don’t punish the homeless for being out of work, a charity boss is urging politicians who are now campaigning for votes.

The call comes in the run-up to the general election from east London’s Crisis charity for homeless single men and women.

The charity has been running an Employment Fortnight where those without a roof over their head who are looking for work have been meeting company bosses in their search for jobs.

“Homelessness is a devastating experience that shatters confidence and self-esteem,” the charity’s chief executive Jon Sparkes said.

“Homeless people want to work, but cannot be rushed, forced or sanctioned into employment.

“They need the right support—97 per cent of homeless people want to work.”

Alongside our year-round job coaching services, Employment Fortnight is a great way for people to build the skills and confidence they need to find employment. It is also an opportunity for businesses to meet high calibre candidates and learn how Crisis helps people on their journey out of homelessness.”

The Crisis national charity has a mission to end homelessness once and for all in Britain in the 21st century.

London—and especially the East End, righr next door to the City—has become the magnate for those with nowhere to live.

“We are determined campaigners,” Jon warned. “We are working to change the way society and government thinks and acts towards homeless people.”

The charity helps the homeless through its housing, health, education and employment services.

It runs courses at its Crisis headquarters in Commercial Street, Whitechapel, helping with CVs and teaching ‘employability’ skills, and has also set up other centres in Oxford, Birmingham, Coventry, Liverpool, South Yorkshire, Newcastle and Edinburgh.