The events in Southport and across the rest of the UK in recent weeks have impacted us in different ways. For the team here at Simon on the Streets, there’s been an overwhelming sense of horror, disappointment, and sadness.
We’re absolutely clear that such behaviour has no justification or place in our society. Following the words of our CEO, Natalie Moran, we’d like to use this week’s blog to discuss how these incidents have impacted the positive progress we’re trying to achieve, along with others in our sector.
An issue within ‘our professional sphere’
According to Rick Henderson, CEO of Homeless Link, the attacks on hotels ‘bring this issue into our professional sphere’. And he’s right.
The same hotels being targeted by violence are the same places we used to house those experiencing homelessness during the pandemic, a strategic plan that involved everybody coming together to ensure that people were safe and protected. Today, these hotels continue to serve as temporary accommodations for many families and individuals who are still facing homelessness day in and day out.
For these families and individuals, life presents more than enough challenges, and we can only imagine the profound and heartbreaking impact of current events on an already impossible situation.
Senseless destruction
While hotels housing asylum seekers have been the centre of much of the media coverage, shops, houses, and other community spaces have all suffered. In one incident, a library suffered severe fire damage. As a result, the August activities for children and the September adult learning classes are now unlikely to take place.
One word that continues to spring to mind when thinking about the abhorrent behaviours we’ve all witnessed over the past two weeks is senseless. The senseless destruction of property, the senseless desire to put fear into vulnerable people, and the complete lack of reasoning behind the attacks are impossible to fathom.
Misinformation and dangerous stereotypes
The misinformation spread online and within our communities has led to unthinkable consequences. Those consequences include a racist hatred that exists within our society coming to the surface, with those involved feeling emboldened by recent events. There's also a clear misunderstanding of the trauma those fleeing from their country of origin are often experiencing.
As a charity, we talk a lot about the assumptions and stereotypes faced by those dealing with homelessness. They’re called lazy, unwilling to work, and drug addicts. For those from another country, there are often further accusations of manipulating the benefits system, with many people wrongly believing that immigrants receive more support.
The fact is that homelessness is a highly complex issue. Dangerous assumptions and harmful stereotypes serve no other purpose than to whip up hatred and block positive change for everyone. This is why a big part of our work is to raise awareness about the challenges that homelessness, in all its forms, presents. Education is crucial.
Everybody deserves a secure and stable place to live
We exist to help anyone facing homelessness, regardless of their circumstances. Everybody needs a secure and stable place to call home, and everybody should receive the support they need regardless of their place of birth. We will continue to provide support and be a safe space for those who need us.
If you'd like to help us break the cycle of homelessness, you can donate, register to participate in Simon’s Big Sleep Out or contact us about the various other ways you can get involved. Let’s come together to make a difference.