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A lot of people I speak to do not believe that Jersey has a homeless issue – they often say, “I never see it”. Just because it is not as visible as in other major cities does not mean that it does not exist.
That's according to Debbie Prosser, a trustee of the Sanctuary Trust.
Ahead of Sanctuary's biggest annual fundraiser next week, the Sleep Out at Pier Road car park, Debbie shared her view on the issue of homelessness in Jersey...
I wanted to understand in more detail why the majority of people find it awkward to speak to or interact with a homeless person, someone on the street asking for money in desperation or someone selling the Big Issue or equivalent. Why do people pass by on the other side, avert their eyes or pretend to be deep in conversation? I was one of those people who used to do it too, so I’m not pointing the finger!
Pictured: A lot of people I speak to do not believe that Jersey has a homeless issue – they often say, ‘I never see it’..."
However, since becoming a trustee of Sanctuary Trust, I’ve had the chance to meet and talk to those who are unfortunately homeless and now realize that they are human, just like me.
It’s so important to recognise that people on the streets who are homeless are people, just like you and me, and to acknowledge that homeless people have feelings and pride, and, just like you and me, they want someone to care.
A lot of people I speak to do not believe that Jersey has a homeless issue – they often say, “I never see it”. Just because it is not as visible as in other major cities does not mean that it does not exist.
Pictured: "It really is the little things that can have a huge impact on somebody’s day in a positive way..."
The island is faced with various challenges related to homelessness, including a shortage of affordable housing, rising living costs, and the needs of vulnerable people are becoming more and more complex. Charities are also facing the ongoing issues with rising living costs, which is why Sanctuary Trust relies on the generous donations of our community. This is why days such as World Homeless Day are so important to raise awareness, particularly locally.
There seems to be a stereotype for the homeless person – that they must be a drug addict or an alcoholic – but that’s not always the case. Even if it were, drug addiction and alcoholism are illnesses with a root cause.
Pictured: "At this critical time for charities, any small financial donation really is vital, as the increasing living costs and demand for support really is a concern..."
Many of the homeless in our society are not addicts – they are often business owners, fathers, bankers, lawyers, who for a variety of reasons have fallen on hard times. This could perhaps be due to redundancy, business failure, marriage or relationship break up, mental health issues or some other reason. It could happen to you, it could happen to me.
Last year I was in Scotland for a few days, we were in a group of five or six. We had a set route for heading out to breakfast. On the first morning we passed a young man selling the Big Issue. I stopped, bought the magazine and had a chat before catching up with the rest of my group.
The next morning, same route, same chap selling the Big Issue: he smiled, called out a greeting to me and wished me a good day. One of our group asked me how the Big Issue seller knew me, and I replied: “Because I talked to him yesterday and he remembers me.”
Pictured: "Why do people pass by on the other side, avert their eyes or pretend to be deep in conversation? I was one of those people who used to do it too, so I’m not pointing the finger!"
Isn’t it sad that, in the crowds of thousands who walk around Edinburgh on a daily basis, a perfect stranger remembered me? Undoubtedly it was because, in the busy society in which we live, I was one of the few that day who had acknowledged his existence.
There are probably a number of potential reasons, but perhaps because people don’t know what to say. It’s obvious that they’re not having a good day or enjoying the weather, so what else can they talk about with them? People could perhaps ask if they would like a hot drink or a sandwich or, quite simply, ask if they would like someone to talk to for five or 10 minutes.
"Many of the homeless in our society are not addicts – they are often business owners, fathers, bankers, lawyers, who for a variety of reasons have fallen on hard times..."
They are humans, and we like interaction. Some homeless people may not have had a real conversation with anyone for days. It really is the little things that can have a huge impact on somebody’s day in a positive way.
We offer a range of services to support homeless individuals, with the main service being a place of Sanctuary to call home, with three homes currently, which are all at maximum capacity.
We provide access to meals, medical care and emotional and mental support, and as our residents transition and are ready to rejoin society, we provide assistance with finding housing and work and continue to support many of our former residents through our outreach programme.
At this critical time for charities, any small financial donation really is vital, as the increasing living costs and demand for support really is a concern. However, there are a number of
ways in which people can help such as fundraising through their own events either with family of friends or through their place of work, volunteering on specific projects and donations of things such as food, toiletries and electrical items.
However, I think the most important is to give those affected by homelessness some of their time – even a smile can go a long way.
Yes, on 17 November 2023, at Pier Road Car Park, we will be hosting our annual Sleep Out for Sanctuary and are hoping that this year will be even bigger and better and are inviting as many people as possible to join us.
Pictured: A local shelter is inviting islanders to spend a night in the shoes of Jersey’s most vulnerable residents to raise money for homeless men.
The event is free to participate in, and whilst it will not be the most comfortable night, it will be the most meaningful.
Think you could sleep rough to help the Sanctuary Trust? It's annual – and most important – fundraiser, the Pier Road car park Sleep Out is taking place on 17 November. Find out more details and sign up by clicking HERE.
Sanctuary Trust is the official charity partner of Bailiwick Express and Connect Magazine.
Sanctuary does not receive Government funding, so relies on its own fundraising efforts and donations from the public. Every little helps: a monthly standing order of £50 would go towards the cost of providing meals for one of our residents.
Click HERE to support the charity.
This article first appeared in the October edition of Connect Magazine – read the digital edition in full below:
Will you walk in the shoes of Jersey's homeless?
FOCUS: After homelessness... A new lease of Lennox
OPINION: A "humbling" event with a "strong sense of community"
IN NUMBERS: The scale of Jersey's homeless problem
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