Please don’t get scammed! reminder that it does not cost money to go to a homeless shelter.

Hi folks! Total sensitivity and respect when discussing this matter, but I want yous to be careful about giving money to homeless people who advertise they need money for a bed.

It is frankly not true. Homeless shelters aren’t going to charge people money. A hotel, hostel etc would - but ask yourself why that person is turned down by homeless accom.

If someone is kicked back from the free homeless emergency accom - it is often because they are not able to refrain from using drugs etc on the premises.

It’s just not the case that people need to “raise £20 for a bed tonight”. So please be mindful.

This doesn’t mean I hate the homeless or I think we shouldn’t give, far from it. But be mindful people in addiction are gonna have their priorities.

My Nan recently went out of her way to buy a nice meal deal pfor a “homeless” man who claimed to be hungry. She’s a smart woman, mental health nurse who knows giving them money can feed into addiction.

Basically, she gave him a sandwich, a snack and a drink, and he chucked it back at her and asked for cash! She was angry at herself for “not knowing better by now” but I just think she meant well still.

Just be careful. If someone won’t accept food, or directions for homeless shelters - and they INSIST on cash, it’s most likely for drugs, and your “donation” is only helping them hurt themselves.

Do not give cash!! And be mindful of the Romanian gangs. My Flatmate was recently harassed by a designer tracksuit & trainers male who chased her down union street asking her for ‘change’. Use your context clues and be mindful. A genuine homeless person isn’t wearing designer clothes, or ‘swapping out’ with the next homeless person on shift on that block.