Raising money for homeless veterans

[Stigmorgan]

I salute you.

Beer Jacket required, methinks. Or a Whisky Jacket

Few beers and a firepit

 

[Bingy man]

I checked on the weather from last March and there were dry nights but plenty of rainy days
My feelings toward work are very up and down at the minute and I have just been given notice of their next "landlord inspection" which is causing a bit of stress but I have a few charity projects in mind to occupy me.

You know it’s due which is much better than a random check that you wasn’t told about The charity events will help to keep you focused but try to address any issues not addressed since the last inspection. Stay positive and don’t give up . Wishing you all the best for your events and your work/ home ..

 

[Hypnotic Chimera]

Few beers and a firepit

Shared elsewhere for you, Stig.

 

[Sachakins]

Hi, sorry Stig, I know it's a bit cool, but it's an extra night from me, Sachakins 🏔🌨❄

 

[TRITON]

I see so many fake homeless people begging where I live , most of them are just unemployed drug addicts but they sit outside shops and traffic lights all day - offer go buy them a drink or something to eat and they tell you they have eaten but if you have any spare change that will help them .. happy to help a genuine cause .

For starters they are pretty much homeless, given they live in squats and people couches. And while buying them something to eat/drink is a good way of doing it, you shouldn't really have any moral ground in whatever they spend any money they receive goes to.

https://socialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-3q7j0vwo8p437
As an ex squaddie this is something that really sits heavy with me, far too many of our military personnel are existing on the streets so I have signed up to the above, the requirement is 1 night but I have pledged to spend 1 night under the stars for every £100 I raise, every little helps so if this is something you feel worthy please donate, every little helps, I'm willing to bet the kids at school would love to see me freeze my backside off, knowing my luck it will rain too

(Sorry if I'm breaking any rules with this post, happy for it to be removed if need be)

Tips -

Cardboard INSIDE the sleeping bag gives a bit of insulation. Outside can get wet,inside affords it some protection.

Heat packs - You know those ones for aches and sprains. Put 2-3 inside the bag. It will provide
warmth all night. one in the foot, one at the knees, and another at the shoulder

Down bags are useless in a homeless environment, as they cannot be easily dried,and you cant sleep in a damp/wet one, but you can in a synthetic

Make sure you get a spot out the wind

 

[Scruples]

This touches a nerve actually. I volunteer several times a year on the early shift (4am) for a charity that provides cooked meals and other support for hundreds of homeless people in London. I've been doing this for well over 20 years and so have met a good few men and women who live on the streets. Many are indeed ex military.

There is in my opinion (which is mere observation) a real issue with how we as a nation deal with military personnel, particularly those who are lifelong privates or "squaddies". They live, usually from youth, a regimented life, are constantly told what to do and required not to question it, are trained in most cases to be aggressive, they are probably not the very brightest people and have little education often, and then when their usefulness has passed they are cut loose into society with minimal and transient support. And then we are surprised that a good few end up on the streets and/or in prison. It's a disgrace. The military needs to to take some responsibility for this far beyond just the years of service. We would rather give homes to (maybe) pretend asylum seekers than to our own ex servicemen and women it seems.

As witth a lot of institutions and businesses, retiring employees get help, retirement seminars and, in some cases, a phasing shift to retirement. I wonder why, when military personnel receive a military pension on top of their state pension, that so many of them struggle financially. Perhaps the OP could enlighten me?

 

[Just4Fun]

As witth a lot of institutions and businesses, retiring employees get help, retirement seminars and, in some cases, a phasing shift to retirement.

Years ago a friend had dozens of jobs for lorry drivers but lorry drivers were in short supply. One tactic he used was to approach the army, saying he had these jobs that could suit squaddies leaving the military, since many of them could drive HGVs. The army treated him very well, and did a lot to match him up with suitable recruits. Apparently they really tried hard to help people leaving the service.

 

[Stigmorgan]

As witth a lot of institutions and businesses, retiring employees get help, retirement seminars and, in some cases, a phasing shift to retirement. I wonder why, when military personnel receive a military pension on top of their state pension, that so many of them struggle financially. Perhaps the OP could enlighten me?

I don't know about anyone else but I had no help whatsoever, one day I was a soldier, the next I was a civvy left to fend for myself.

 

[nickds1]

#2 son is in RE EOD&S. Terrifies us, but he loves it. However he had a previous life and the RE have taught him a whole load of useful and transferrable skills. He says that basically the army is paying to train him to do stuff that he'd pay to do anyway...

When he's done, he should be fine...

 

[Stigmorgan]

#2 son is in RE EOD&S. Terrifies us, but he loves it. However he had a previous life and the RE have taught him a whole load of useful and transferrable skills. He says that basically the army is paying to train him to do stuff that he'd pay to do anyway...

When he's done, he should be fine...

I was Royal Engineers too, getting a trade definitely helped when I got out.

 

[Bingy man]

For starters they are pretty much homeless, given they live in squats and people couches. And while buying them something to eat/drink is a good way of doing it, you shouldn't really have any moral ground in whatever they spend any money they receive goes to.



Tips -

Cardboard INSIDE the sleeping bag gives a bit of insulation. Outside can get wet,inside affords it some protection.

Heat packs - You know those ones for aches and sprains. Put 2-3 inside the bag. It will provide
warmth all night. one in the foot, one at the knees, and another at the shoulder

Down bags are useless in a homeless environment, as they cannot be easily dried,and you cant sleep in a damp/wet one, but you can in a synthetic

Make sure you get a spot out the wind

With respect If the money they beg is spent on drugs or alcohol then surely you are then enabling them to continue with the same lifestyle choices which means nothing will ever change . I’m not saying all but many of these homeless choose to live this way as many of the hostels and Emergency accommodation don’t allow alcohol and drug use . Then there are the professional gangs that are controlled by organised criminals and are often Illegal imigrants that are being exploited possibly paying for their passage to the uk . So that’s why I have no problem buying someone a meal or a drink but as for cash I’ll stick to official collection sources or properly organised events like this .

 

[Stigmorgan]

A huge thanks to everyone that has donated, across the 2 pages I'm now up to £325

 

[garyjenkinson]

I don't know about anyone else but I had no help whatsoever, one day I was a soldier, the next I was a civvy left to fend for myself.

Me too, after 12 years (RADC), although I went straight to another job (Met policeman) - I treated myself to a month off first in between! I do have to say this was entirely due to my own efforts, determination and initiative, and f-all to do with any Army help. My resettlement course was a 5 day bricklaying course that I've never used!

 

[TRITON]

With respect If the money they beg is spent on drugs or alcohol then surely you are then enabling them to continue with the same lifestyle choices which means nothing will ever change .

Of course thats what they will spend any funds on, they are acting under the direction of an addiction They will do whatever they can to get their next beer or fix or whatever
But it's not just heroin addicts, those homeless squaddies you have great respect for, they're also more often than not addicted.
Usually alcohol, though cocaine, etc eventually leads to their homelessness.

Are we to judge these ex military for their lifestyle choices, or should we not look into such factors and just offer what we can to help ?

A huge thanks to everyone that has donated, across the 2 pages I'm now up to £325

Hey, just had a thought.

This will be out under the stars wont it ? Proper homeless you cant have a tent, or that would just be camping, and children go camping

I think for you to get the full 'homeless' experience, you should do your sleeping out in a pish steeped doorway.

 

[Stigmorgan]

Of course thats what they will spend any funds on, they are acting under the direction of an addiction They will do whatever they can to get their next beer or fix or whatever
But it's not just heroin addicts, those homeless squaddies you have great respect for, they're also more often than not addicted.
Usually alcohol, though cocaine, etc eventually leads to their homelessness.

Are we to judge these ex military for their lifestyle choices, or should we not look into such factors and just offer what we can to help ?



Hey, just had a thought.

This will be out under the stars wont it ? Proper homeless you cant have a tent, or that would just be camping, and children go camping

I think for you to get the full 'homeless' experience, you should do your sleeping out in a pish steeped doorway.

No tent, just a sleeping bag and possibly a small tarp to make a rain cover. I'll prob be in my garden so likely to be plenty of dog pish if that counts

 

[TRITON]

Sounds good.
Remember to get as much insulation under you as you can- The cold comes from the ground, not the atmosphere, so as long as you arent getting cold rising up, it will be a comfortable sleep.

Also could try eating before sleeping, as food working its way through your system will help keep the core temp up.

I've a bit of experience sleeping outside, and im sure you will be fine.