Auckland's biggest and brightest rough it for the homeless

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 10:46p.m.

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Some of the country's most successful business and community leaders are preparing to spend the night as vagrants.

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8/07/2011 4:19:40 p.m.

Helen Steemson wrote:

Hey James, I was one of the people who slept rough last night. I think your take on this issue is pretty wide spread - it all seems so hopeless doesn't it? I can tell you, after speaking to a couple of people who LifeWise has helped, it's not. There are people out there who have been homeless for years. They've given up on themselves, and so have we. But the work that LifeWise does (along with many other charitable and governmental organisations) leaves a door open. They offer compassionate, non-judgmental and practical support, whether that's just a low cost cup of tea at the Hub Cafe, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues or rehoming street kids as young as 8. They're all about helping people address their underlying problems, so they can and do become functioning members of our society. I suppose a 2 min slot on the news doesn't give you the full story, but The Big Sleep Out wasn't about a bunch of do-gooders beating breasts and making themselves feel good. One of the biggest issue facing homeless people is the mainstream's attitude towards them. I was as guilty of this as the next person and last night was an awakening for me. It made me realise how unfair and prejudice I have been and the 100k we raised was really just the icing on the cake of a truly positive, educative and enlightening experience. It changed the way I viewed these issues and I've put my thoughts done here if you care to read on: http://www.facebook.com/notes/helen-steemson/the-lifewise-big-sleep-out-some-things-you-learn-after-a-night-on-the-streets/185971594793864?notif_t=like Cheers, Helen

8/07/2011 7:42:54 a.m.

James J.Read wrote:

Rather than beating our breasts, perhaps we should be asking why people are homeless.Research suggests that many are drug addicts, alcoholics or mentally ill.I doubt if any of these will respond positively on a permanent basis, to the help offered them.Sadly, similar cases can be found in cities around the world and while it may make people feel good to participate in this project,the homeless are unlikely to benefit.