Coming In From The Cold: Homeless But Not Hopeless Gives Compassion A New Meaning.
- by XpatAthens
- Friday, 13 November 2015
Journalist and editor Lorraine Eyre runs the “Homeless but not Hopeless” charity. In a piece written for GreekTV, Lorraine reflects on the misguided attitudes about the homeless community in the country, the reasons many find themselves on the streets, and offers vignettes of individual stories.
“We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and not cared for is the greatest poverty.” (Mother Teresa)
Individuals and families who are sleeping rough on the streets of Athens without access to shelter, food, and laundry facilities have become outcasts of society. Sometimes referred to as “bag” people, they are almost socially invisible to those who consider them to be second-class citizens. The plight of the growing homeless community in the city continues to spiral out of control. The situation sadly remains unnoticed by those whose responsibility it is to help them. Fortunately, however, there are kind and compassioante people living here in Greece and abroad who do care. Large numbers of dedicated volunteers and members of organizations are fiercely committed to providing help and offering their support. Those volunteers who have come face to face with the harsh realities out on the streets and have listened to the heart-wrenching stories, many from families with young children, have realized that everyone is important in this word and commands the same respect.
To read more, please visit: Greek TV