People and Pets of the streets:
A zine by Kristen Fraser
The poor dog, iend, r f t s e m r fi e h t e in lif me, o c l e w o t t s r fi e Th nd foremost to defe . Lord Byron (1808) g, Do a to h ap it - Ep
UNDERDOG
is
a
zine
about pets, but not just any pets - pets living on the streets... Homeless people often have pets which provide them with companionship in a lonely and troublesome time. Homelessness should not exist, shelter and food is a basic human right, yet thousands go days without. The number of rough sleepers has increased in almost every major city in England, 60% in Birmingham, 31% in Manchester and 13% in London. Homelessness seems absurd living in the 21st century, but our culture is arguably what is contributing to the problem. People simply can’t afford the cost of living anymore. Nutritious food, further education and rent, to name a few, are becoming more expensive and out of reach of the lower classes. There are many other causes of homelessness, such as bereavement, illness or trauma, mental or physical health problems, substance misuse, job
loss,
eviction,
violent
relationships,
or leaving prison, care or the army with no home to go back to. Having an animal to look after and loyally by your side can break this vicious circle, providing responsibility and companionship.
Yet,
homeless
people
often
experience abuse and criticism derived from misconceptions about their ability or right to pet ownership. In this zine you will read true narratives of homeless pet owners and views from animal charities about how pets act as a much needed ray of sunshine in quite a sombre existence. These are the underdogs.
All information in this zine was gained from credible sources and real homeless people in London.
IN A HOME T H AT I S NOT MY OWN.
UNFIXED. UNSURE. WH ERE AM I TOMORROW? 4 WA L L S AND ONE ROOF DOES NOT CON STITUTE A HOME.
S O FA SURFIN'
NOT MY B E D . NOT
S TAT I S T I C S DON'T SH OW ME. M Y F A U LT .
Homelessness isn’t just a demographic of rough sleepers; those who you see walking or sitting on the streets day and night, day in day out and whose home consists
a
soflaeeping
ts of s i s n o c me hoalways the only option for t homeless ent. people, a e b y a m ndother ways. But some homeless g aare bathere sleeping bag and maybe a tent. This is not
people do have a place to go back to ...
[sometimes]. But if you see them walking back to a flat or a house, don’t go thinking they’re trying to con you or they’re just lazy ... Of course this can’t be said for everyone, but homelessness can be hidden. Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness. It is near impossible to calculate the number of homeless people in Britain or anywhere for that matter because most homeless peoples situation is not ‘visible’ on the streets or formally documented in official statistics. The hidden homeless sometimes stay with friends or family, going from one place to the next [sofa surfing], or they have no choice but to reside in overcrowded shared households, or unsuitable housing such as squats. Sadly, for some homeless people, securing a home is more daunting than living on the streets as they are suddenly faced with multiple bills and expenses that they didn’t have before.
“The cost of living is increasing and I can’t afford it anymore”. Let’s face it, in our consumer driven society, the only ones at the bottom of the barrel are the poor and the animals. The “others”. Evicted from the homes they can no longer afford. Ejected from the community they can no longer afford to be a part of. Prosperity versus poverty, the gap is getting bigger. When you can’t spend money, buy the latest shoes or phone, you aren’t part of the society in which we live. One of overconsumption. Spending and greed, and spending and greed, and spending, spending, spending. This is the way of life now. This is our unsympathetic consumerist culture. When you’re at the bottom you are the same as the animals of the city, roaming the town finding pleasure in the simplest of things, trying to get by, trying to survive, and nothing too much more. Sometimes relying on the people that have the money to help. To the animals - throw ‘em a bit of your sandwich. To the poor - throw ‘em a bit of your change. The man and the dog sitting on the floor; they are equal now. No master, no “pet”. Together they walk the same streets, on equal ground, they eat together, they sleep together. They are more connected than the people in this consumer culture, where we spend more time looking at the next purchase on our phones than at our friends or family... That’s why you miss them, you miss their stories - you’re looking down, not necessarily at them, but at your phone. They do not need fancy gadgets, what is the use in a phone without a plug. They need a friend to trust and to talk to. To feel connected in a disconnected society. There is no dominant species, there is no class system, they are equal and will remain equal even off the streets. Can we learn something vital here? A human and his dog, a dog and his human. A Friend. Uncomplicated, undemanding, priceless.
URE. LIFE in The low
The O
thers:
er ClasS.
outside the
CONSumER CULT
T U O T U C . 1 . D R A C S I D 2.
- Tom m y [homeless man]
HE'S HAPPY EVEN WH EN I CANT BE. HE'S H E A LT H Y E V E N TH OUGH I H AV E NOTH ING LEFT.
PLEASE U N D E R S TA N D WE NEED EACH OTH ER BUT WE NEED A LITTLE H ELP TOO.
..........................
When you’re homeless you’re ................
" - Ben [homeless man]
"
interview with
=
= = = ==
and Ben “... that’s usually how a lot of people look at you, you know like pitying or think you’re inferior. ... me and Oscar are equal ... we’ve a mutual respect and we’re just getting through life together. That’s- yeah, that’s how I see it. ... it’s a small part of a bigger issue but Oscar gets me through the night so that’s a huge thing.”
meet? KF: How did you two
Ben: Well we met before we were homeless. He was my brother’s. But I took him when my brother passed away. KF: Kristen: I’m sorry to hear that, it must have been difficult—
Ben: Yeah he had cancer and died just under two years ago. Yeah, I was very close with him - he was the only family I had for years and we were great friends. So yeah I was depressed— I took it very badly, very badly. I wasn’t getting much income after that and after a couple of missed rents then I was evicted. And there’s only so long that you can crash on people’s sofas, especially having such a big dog :D so we ended up here.
KF: That’s awful, thank you- than k you for sharing that with me. Ben: Yeah, well it’s quite a common thing unfortunately— trauma and mental health and homelessness. Everyone’s stories are different but- you are going to get those who are taking advantage, taking the piss basically, but a lot of these guys, they’ve been down on their luck, they’ve been ill, they’ve been sacked, evicted or you know, uprooted, some people just don’t even get a chance in life, you know? It’s failed system after failed system. And you feel rejected by society [looking at Oz] and yeah they have dogs, cats, whatever because they’re the ones who will stick by them in bad times. It can be [a] really lonely life so, having this- having another warm body beside you makes a huge difference to people. Especially in London where no one- well, not many people will give you the time of day, like you can smile, say hello, we won’t bite :D But no, I think that’s one of the toughest things for a lot of [people]- you feel like you don’t exist but we are still here, I do exist. We just need a bit of help.
people to KF: It’s quite common for a lot of homeless ess I turn to alcohol or for that to make them homel them cos guess? Like people think I won’t give money to they’ll just spend it on like drink or drugs. Ben: Yeah yeah, well I’ve not been on the streets as long as some of these guys, but it’s hard enough for anyone no matter how long. A lot turn to drugs and drink ... I can definitely understand it and you’d have to be in this situation to really understand why they do these things. But it’s not me, I don’t do drugs and don’t drink anymore, it wouldn’t be fair on Oz, mainly cos I’m a terrible drunk :D But I just think that if you have a pet on the streets then they’re your main priority because you’ve chosen to put them in that situation, doesn’t matter if you have a roof over your head or not. Um, so yeah that’s how I see it anyway. I want to keep him happy and healthy, you know, even if I can’t be. t’s sweetKF: Yeah of course, tha
Ben: He’s more expensive than booze anyway isn’t he :D But yeah it’s- not everyone’s lucky enough to be able to keep their pets or have one and I don’t like to see dogs on the streets necessarily but you understand why it helps. For me it was a bit different because I had my dog before I was on the streets. So it was hard, a hard decision, whether to keep him or let him go and he’s had some scuffs and health issues at first but now he’s fine now, he’s good, he’s as good as he was when we were at home.
KF: Yeah yeah, that’s good. And are there any misco nceptions that you know of relating to homeless people ownin g pets? Ben: Misconceptions, um yeah. I’ve had people saying that I’m just using the dog to beg. People have tried to buy him, tried to take him away from me. Um shouting at me for mistreating him but you know, I take him to the free vets, the Blue Cross are good. People don’t know about these things so they just think whatever they want. But if you just talked to me, if you just looked at him then you can see he’s healthy, he’s not skinny, he’s not unhappy or whimpering. you want very happy. So what do KF:I can see that he’s ut Oscar? ut your situation and abo people to understand abo
Ben: Yeah um I suppose I would like people to try to understand, to try to empathise. Like I was saying about the mental health, it’s easy just to put it down to laziness when you see someone begging but usually it’s just that’s their only choice because they might be too sick- too sick to do anything else, you know, I had a normal, happy childhood, I took an art and design course at college too but now I’m here. Things change and- and a lot of people are very ignorant, their privilege clouds their judgement. On the streets, you’ve gotta get help but you’ve got to help yourself too which is more difficult when you don’t have a safe space, a home or family or friends. So yeah I guess Oz is the only good thing in my life. He’s all I have left. And he helps me though the days- he actually gives me the time of day. I couldn’t have survived a month out here without him. And if I thought he was in danger or sick then I would always do what’s best for him, if that means giving him up then that’s that. But we’re okay, we’re okay. He’s helping me through a really difficult time.
- Homeless Link
IT’S A VICIOUS CIRCLE. CIRCLE
U S E
LP! E H
’S N EXC T A
- Ben [homeless man]
IT
NO
It says a lot when your dog does more for you than the professionals”
.
45%
of homeless people have been diagnosed with mental illness.
I NE E D
MENtAL!
Don’t look away. Let’s talk about it...
There is a higher rate of mental health problems amongst the homeless population than the general population. A massive 80% of homeless people have reported having mental illness, diagnosed or undiagnosed. Depression in particular, a cruel and vicious illness, is significantly higher. Mental illness can trigger or be part of a series of events that
can lead to homelessness. Having no one or no place to go can worsen the illness or even cause someone to become mentally ill from the stresses associated with living on the streets. However, studies have shown that pet ownership can greatly improve health and well-being. Merely stroking an animal has therapeutic qualities. But they
also give homeless people companionship, some homeless people have stated that they talk to their pets and even though they can’t talk back, animals are very intuitive. Moreover, there’s the responsibility; those who are drug or alcohol dependent get themselves clean in fear of losing their pets if they end up in hospital or prison.
11 82323
Charity no.
DOGS ON THE STREETS
Dogs on the Streets (DOTS) is a charity organisation run by volunteer vets, vet nurses, dog trainers, groomers and nutritionists who are dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to homeless people. It was set up by Michelle Clark in 2016, she had been working with the homeless prior to this but one day one of the dog owners collapsed and refused to go to hospital unless Clark agreed to look after his dog Poppy. She took her home and it was through Poppy's need for veterinary treatment that she realised that street dogs needed more care than they were getting.
DOTS operates mobile weekly street “stations’ across London, Oxford, Kent, Milton Keynes, Bournemouth and are in partnership with a housing project in Birmingham. These stations offer vet care, pet care advice, food for the dogs and the owners, as well as coats, bedding, collars and leads. They also help to find permanent accommodation for rough sleepers and rehabilitation to overcome many mental health issues. What’s more in the event of an owners illness or hospitalization, like in Poppy’s story, DOTS has free foster care kennels on 3 acres of land. More than enough space for dogs to run happy and free.
i wAnt tHe PuBlic tO KNow tHaT to a HomELesS DoG OwNer, thEiR dOG is tHeIr WoRlD ... ThEy wIlL QuIte oFtEn puT tHe NEeds of tHe Dog BeFOre thEir Own, they LOVe and CArE for them That MuCh" - Michelle Clark
KF:
So
what
condition would animals are in generall y?
you
say
that
the
er): Adam (DOTS team memb Very good! Yeah I suppose going back 18 months or so quite a few of the dogs we were seeing had weight issues mainly because they weren’t eating the correct diet … you know these guys were doing their best to feed them butso yeah first 6 months of the service we were doing a lot of things about education and weight management … Yeah explaining to the owners that a curry on a Friday night is not a treat for the dog as well as them ... :D
another DOTS team member: That’s no different to any household across the country though is it? Especially when they look at you like that [pulls a face]
k KF: Yeah the puppy dog eyes! What do you thin about homeless people owning pets? Adam: Well it’s companionship for someone without.
l untered any unusua co en er ev u yo ve KF: And ha animals?
Adam: … One of our more colourful clients told us a fantastic story about keeping a pet snake in his pillowcase but I’m not sure whether it was true.
KF: Wow... And what would you say is the biggest problem that homeless people fac e, with their pets on the street? Adam: The biggest problem they have is a lot of them are still here. Because- well one of the things we’re working on, well particularly Michelle works strongly to do is to change the attitude of people who are offering [accommodation]. There are guys who are staying on the streets because they can’t get accommodation who’ll accept their dogs.
that mmon misconceptions co y an ow kn u yo KF: Do ople owning about [homeless pe people might have pets]? Adam:
Yeah lots. The most common one is that they’ve got the dogs as a begging tool, which is just absolutely not the case, I mean yes maybe there are instances but that’s the biggest misconception. And I suppose the misconception that the dogs are mistreated. But in my opinion these dogs probably, in a way from the dogs perspective, have a better life than most pet dogs because they’ve got 24 hour companionship. You know, my dogs would much rather be with me 24 hours a day than on their own … there is a definite argument as to, from the dogs perspective, who’s got the better life quality. And you know quite often you find that street dogs [are] more content than pet dogs.
DI a MOND and John
my ex-partner died. my long term partner, of over ten years ... so the dog’s like the last part of me and her.
so without the dog i wouldn’t have got through the last couple of years. and she’s kept me going strong. so if i didn’t have her to go back to everyday then i would maybe have let myself go ...
it’s human nature isn’t it.
- John [homeless man]
KeEP YOUR coinS, I WANt CHANGE. - Begging for change, MEEK.
A
Bob
“BOb”
n: ed en i at Nam e s C As reet A St
and James I was barely existing from day to day and going out busking because you couldn’t get by on benefits ... I realised I had to take responsibility for [
] and that’s
when it clicked that I would have to start changing my ways if I was to start taking care of this little man ... [
] definitely cared for me and
his love gave me strength.� - James Bowen [former-homeless man]
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT ALERT
James Bowen began sleeping
and going out busking
care of this little man
rough after struggling to
because you couldn’t
… He definitely cared for
find work due to mental
get by on benefits.” One
me and his love gave me
illness and drug abuse.
day, he noticed a sick
strength.” Bowen decided
This was likely from the
and injured stray ginger
to get himself clean
troubling childhood he
cat kept returning to
so that he could look
experienced, which is a
see him. After nursing
after Bob, he carried on
common story for a lot of
him back to health and
busking and also became a
the homeless. He moved
trying to locate the
vendor. The pair became
around a lot, struggled
owner, Bowen tried to
inseparable, and they
to keep friends and deal
send him on his way. But
both started to become
with his family problems.
after Bob followed him
popular with Londoners
James said after running
on to the bus he decided
and tourists, who often
out of other people’s
to keep him and name him
uploaded their videos of
sofas to sleep on, he
Bob. “I realised I had to
James busking alongside
found himself sleeping
take responsibility for
Bob to YouTube. Bowen went
on the street and, at
him, and that’s when it
on to write a book about
his lowest point, turned
clicked that I would have
his life with Bob which
to heroin. “I was barely
to start changing my ways
was top of the Sunday
existing from day to day
if I was to start taking
Times’ best seller list.
:)
YOU CAN OR say
... WE DON'T BITE
8 SToN e DOg 10 sTOn E H eaRT KF:
How would you describe her character?
Jane:
Very much like me, she’s cheeky, she’s feisty, she’s a madam but she’s very loving and she won’t leave my side. She would pine without me. gh And how would you say that she’s helped you throu difficult times?
KF:
Jane:
If it hadn’t been for the dog I would have walked out of where I am at the moment and I would’ve gone. She’s kept me grounded. She’s kept me together, she’s stopped me from destroying myself. She has basically kept me together which I’ve never done before, you know, because the dog needed me. KF: Do you think th ere’s anything that would help homeless people more with th eir pets?
Jane:
Um yeah if the hostels would actually open their doors to people with animals because there’s only St Mungo’s that I’m aware of and it’s only like one or two that allow you to take a dog in. KF:
est problem? And would you say that’s the bigg
Jane:
Yeah, it’s what stops people from getting housed, because of the dog. If I was told I would lose where I was because of the dog, I would go back on the streets for Caz ... I would. homelessness has Do you think that the issue of gotten worse would you say?
KF:
Jane:
In ways yes because people are loosing their properties, they can’t pay the mortgage and stuff like that. But mainly because the government are selling the housing stock off. People think if you’re disabled you’re automatically going to get a house easier but you’re not because they’ve got less stock. I was told flat and bluntly that you have to wait for somebody to die or go to a nursing home to get a ground floor flat. So you know, it isn’t easier in a lot of ways. But I’m alright, yeah, so there you go.
HOMELESS & DI SABLED Imagine how hard it must be living on the streets with barely any possessions or money. Then imagine being severely disabled too. For Jane, a former homeless woman, this was once a reality. Several years ago she was in a terrible motorcycle accident which caused her to lose her arm and leg. After experiencing this traumatic event and then enduring a difficult relationship, Jane found herself homeless and struggling with mental illness. She started working for The Big Issue which gave her encouragement and motivation, and she is now an admired and very popular vendor for The Big Issue. But Jane said she found redemption in an 8 stone American Bulldog-Mastiff called Cassie. Jane and Cassie found each other by chance but this lead to a strong friendship that benefitted them both; Cassie needed a home and Jane needed strength which their friendship provided. Jane expressed her disapproval of using dogs as a begging tool, which is why for the most part Cassie stays at home when she sells her issues, but on a personal level her dog has provided her with things much more important than money; strength, purpose, friendship, connection, as well as protection. Cassie is a massive and powerful dog not to be messed with, but she is also a very sweet, very friendly and very chilled out dog. It is evident that Cassie sparks joy and enthusiasm in Jane as she is still smiling after what she’s been through; clearly a strong lady in mind and body.
C A SsIE and Jane
d s founde ts. It wa e p r i e h t g a a th t unteerin eople wi l p o v s s s e a l w e om She then ile she pports h night wh tuation. i e y that su s n t O i r r i a . e h 6 h c 1 t 20 e with ut aws is a wcastle, hink abo ss peopl e t e N l r e n e m i h Street P o h e n ad or g a her and it m upport f so havin lle Sout s g e o , h d s y c t r i t e a M e p n p i y r r b saw a makes no vete and thei chen she away and ittle to s people l s s e e l s i e a r soup kit m w r o o h e w r en from that the of their nd betwe cedures t o o o b r l p g a n l o a s r c realised e i k the st and surg d leads rvice ta e knows llars an inary se reatment o r t c e s t , d e pets. Sh s n v t u a f e l co and so accessib de food, arity al 1 cities i h 2 v c o n r e i p h T h s free and c a aw asier. ly outre Street P t much e de month ctices. i a v r o p r life tha p y r y a in currentl ng veter eet Paws r supporti t S . h c outrea England. at their Northern s s o r c a towns
INTERVIEW WITH M ICH ELLE SOUTH ERN
KF: What is your opinion on homeless people ownin pets? g
Michelle:
For many homeless people their pet is the only thing that they have in their life, who gives them unconditional love and doesn’t judge them or their life choices. The benefits of pet ownership whilst homeless are immense. They give them a reason to get up and have a purpose. They keep away from alcohol and drugs as they fear that they will lose their best friend. Pets have a well documented positive effect on a homeless person’s mental health. This is why I founded Street Paws in April 2016 as I saw the bond that many homeless people have with their pets and I wanted to make sure that they could access the veterinary care that they deserve.
KF: People often think that homeless pets are unfed and unhealthy. Pe ts are often spoiled an d pampered but they are an imals at the end of th e day and don’t need as much as people give. When the homeless pets get checke d by StreetPaws vets, wh at condition are they usuall y in? Are they generally healthy? Michelle:
This is actually the opposite. Pets belonging to homeless people are well fed and cared for usually thanks to the general public and charities who provide dog food. None of our homeless pets are underweight or under fed. I have witnessed first hand food being handed to a homeless person by a member of the public and the homeless person has given it to their dog. The dogs are in better shape than their humans. All of our rough sleepers dogs are generally in great physical health and need no other intervention from the vets other than vaccinations and flea and worming treatments.
Charity no.
1 17 8826 as a pets are used at th ed gu ar ve KF: People ha this? u think about yo do at Wh . begging tool
Michelle:
In some areas the police are specifically targeting people with dogs for begging, but to me if you don’t provide an alternative - such as allowing dogs into hostels - what other choice do you have? Yes people do beg, but most will just simply sit on the street as they don’t have another option. We are really working hard to change this and have just supported a hostel in one of our areas to install Kennels which is a real step forward. This is a complex issue. The main issue I have is that many homeless people cannot access accommodations such as hostels as their dogs are not allowed. Less than 10% of hostels nationally accept dogs - something we are working hard to change. If you have a dog your chances of actually getting off the streets are limited because of your dog. During SWEP (Severe Weather Emergency Protocols) every local authority has an obligation to open up hostels for everyone rough sleeping, unfortunately this usually is not extended to rough sleepers with dogs who are turned away. They then have no other choice but to stay outside as they will not give up their dog - why would they?
ions that y other misconcept KF: Do you know an pets? less people owning me ho t ou ab ve ha le peop Michelle: The main one that crops up is that it’s unfair or causes suffering for the dog to be on the street. Dogs need food, water, warmth, exercise and love - they get all this from their homeless owner. To me getting a dog and leaving it alone at home for the whole day whilst you’re out is much worse. I know many homeless people who chose to remain on the streets as they have no other choice because they have a dog. Tell me that’s not love.
ople money giving homeless pe at th id sa me So : KF best idea. What is the st be e th t n’ is directly pets? r the homeless with fo do n ca le op pe g thin Michelle:
Giving money is a personal decision - I have given money and I have also given food and drinks. I don’t think that there is a right or wrong answer. Most homeless people will tell you that the worst thing is being ignored or feeling invisible so I would always recommend eye contact and a smile, and maybe a question if they need anything? For homeless pet owners the advice is the same, maybe a quick hello - chat - ask if they need anything if you can give something - or just a comment on how lovely their dog is if you’re not in the position to donate.
KF: Can you re call a funny or unusual st ory of a homeless person and their pet?
Michelle:
For me this is usually Kiki who is in Leeds - often seen sporting a few warm layers and sometimes a hat. She gets so excited to see our volunteers approaching and hear the trolley coming up the street she jumps up and down. Or Clyde our very first Street Paw who is a ferret - when we first started in Newcastle we didn’t see any dogs for a couple of months just Clyde who was always willing to give cuddles and eat cream cakes from the soup kitchen.
C LY D E T H E
STREET R AT Unusual pets.
It’s not only dogs you see on the streets ... < This is ol’ Clyde the ferret, he lives with his companion Tommy Baker on the streets of Newcastle. He’s pure white and fluffy with ruby red eyes. ‘Clydie’ is a regular customer of Street Paws, in fact he was their first and only patient for the first couple of months.
After Tommy and hugs, cream is his favourite thing; cream cakes, whipped cream, anything cream. You’ll find him at the soup kitchen helping himself to a few licks.
by Matty Hooper
Imagine having to sleep unsheltered during the day and wonder the streets unknowingly every night. The fear is enough to make you want to hide. Now tell me you wouldn’t want a companion always loyally by your side. He is my best friend. He has protected me from others and from myself. He cared when no one else did. He kept me going strong. He is healthy, happy and often eats before me, so why is it people tell me it’s so wrong? He is my best friend. I don’t have him as some kind of ploy to get more money, or any of that stuff. This companionship, friendship and strong bond we share is nothing but love. Do you think you would be able to survive a week living on these cold and soulless streets entirely on your own? I beg you please don’t treat me like some piece of dirt on the underside of your shoe. Can’t you see I’m a human being just more unfortunate than you?
PreSents: A gloomy day on the back streets of London
& N A M TH E T T U M E TH Rufus scrounges for food yet again ...
While SPIKE WALKS THE STREET looking for a quiet spot.
I’m hungry but you look hungrier ... Here, have the last half of my sandwich. Sorry - It’s all I got.
Poor little guy looks starving.
OI! Raaaa! @!$#*?#*! HEY! ... You BUM! GET OUT MY WAY!
A LITTLE LATER ... Oh here we go again.
B
P
R
U
I’M NOT IN YOUR WAY.
YOU CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T TALK TO ME LIKE THAT! TAKE THIS YOU PIECE OF $%!#
!
R G
R R
R
F U
! F
! S E IK
! H A
Y
A
Wow! THanks Buddy. I think we should stick together? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you?
D N E E H T
PeOplE in NEed Street Link is a charity that acts as a referral system and a way of connecting homeless people to local support services. They operate through their website so if you see someone who needs help then download their app or visit the website:
www.streetlink.org.uk/ or call:
0300 500 0914 Crisis works directly with homeless people providing vital help and support. If you are homeless or at risk or know someone who is, Crisis offer free access to their services which includes help with finding a home and settling in, getting new skills and finding a job, and help with health and wellbeing. Crisis has opened its services in locations all over Britain, including London, Birmingham, Brent, Coventry, Edinburgh, Merseyside, Newcastle, Oxford, South Wales, and South Yorkshire. Contact Crisis for help:
london@crisis.org.uk or call:
0300 636 1967
H OW TO see a homeless Call 999 if you emergency care. person who needs
Sometimes giving money isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the best option. You may want to help but feel uncomfortable, or you may not have any cash on you, or wonder where your money will go. If you want to help them directly, donating your spare cash to charities like these is a sure-fire way. These charities are part of a bigger team to help end and alleviate homelessness.
All charities listed operate in multiple locations across the UK, please contact their friendly staff to find your nearest outreach.
ss you see a homele DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T FORGET! If ese th t ll them abou person you can te d work is vital an charities, their t bi at th situation makes a difficult easier.
PETS IN NeED Street Paws is a charity that funds treatment and surgical procedures from supporting veterinary practices. They provide food, coats, collars and leads at their outreach. They operate in 21 cities and towns in northern England, and Wales and Ireland. So if you know a pet who needs their attention then contact:
streetpaws.northeast@ yahoo.com or call:
0797 291 8189
StreetVet provides homeless peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dogs with free check ups, micro-chipping, surgery, treatments and coats for the cold weather. They currently operate in London, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridge, Plymouth, Birmingham, Cheltenham and Southampton. If you know a pet who needs their attention then contact:
info@streetvet.co.uk
Dogs On The Streets (DOTS) is an charity organisation dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to the homeless. They have mobile vet stations across the UK including London, Oxford, Kent, Milton Keynes, and Bournemouth which provide veterinary care, essential items for pet owners and even food for the owners. If you know a pet who needs their attention then contact:
info@dotslondon.co.uk or call:
0785 454 5254