Dan Siskin’s Account on Volunteering at Crisis over Xmas 2016
This ‘holiday’ season saw me spending my sixth year as a volunteer at Crisis for Christmas, at one of their pop-up centres for homeless people. For the past fifty years, these centres have offered warmth, food, access to medical services, a hot shower, advice and entertainment – all of which are often difficult to find if you are sleeping on the streets or vulnerably housed.
This year there were ten London-based centres, based in buildings such as schools and colleges, made possible by over 10,000 volunteers. There is something so life-affirming about being part of Crisis that I am drawn back year after year. Everyone can contribute, get directly involved and make a real difference. It doesn’t matter whether you come as a general volunteer or bring a specialist skill, such as hairdressing, podiatry, catering, advice worker or dentistry, you will be welcome. No matter your role, it is undoubtedly your time, good heart and willingness to listen that will be most welcomed by the guest.
Crisis is very much about companionship. A chance for a guest to sit and chat, on an equal basis, to a volunteer. This is where preconceptions can go out of the window. Many of us believe homelessness to often be the individual’s ‘fault’, but spend a short while listening to their stories and you will soon change your mind. At the age of 24, I have certainly learnt some incredible things that no school, university or job could have ever taught me.
There is a buzz of warmth, understanding and solidarity that fills the centres as feelings of helplessness, shared by both those on the streets and those who regularly walk by them wishing they knew what to say, are evaporated by a strong sense of togetherness. A highlight at my centre this year was a visit by Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, whose relaxed and minimalistic appearance encapsulated what Crisis is all about.
Crisis is well aware that the Crisis at Christmas centres do not solve the problem – but speaking to the guests, you realise that it recharges their batteries and give them the opportunity not to be ignored by people as if they don’t exist. It gives them access to people who can guide them towards courses, more secure accommodation and perhaps even employment. They are stronger both physically and emotionally and feel better about themselves and can take that vital step in the right direction.
Regardless of your age, gender, religion or profession, I have found every year of volunteering with Crisis to be a truly humbling experience. Those people that I awkwardly walk past on the street not knowing what to say or do become companions. Barriers come tumbling down and the benefits are plentiful for all involved. I have built up very strong friendships with fellow volunteers who have the same core values of caring for your fellow human being, and despite its complicated bitter sweetness I am as delighted to see some of the same guests each year as they are to see me.
I am Jewish, that is something that I am proud of and grateful for. However, I greatly value the societal togetherness and goodwill that Christmas brings. The last days of the year are days that should be spent together, with family, enjoying a life that we can’t help but often take for granted. Crisis at Christmas has no religion, in fact the diversity amongst guests and volunteers is remarkable yet comforting. As long as you have an open mind and desire to help those in need, volunteering at Crisis is what you need to do.
I know what I will be doing next year from 23-30 December. Look at the Crisis website to see how you can get involved next year. There will be a centre and a shift that works for you and I know that it is an experience that you won’t regret.
Some facts and figures:
Rough sleepers – in London the figures have doubled to over 8,000 since 2010 (and may well be an under-estimate)
Being “homeless” includes more than sleeping rough – it includes those sleeping on friends’ floors and others who have no secure accommodation with legal safeguards.
Crisis, now in its 50th year, is the national charity for single homeless people. Most famous for their Christmas centres, which fill a need when many other facilities are closed, they are a campaigning and lobbying organisation who also provide support for people throughout the year via their Skylight centres. These award winning and accredited education, training and employment centres, offer practical and creative workshops in a supportive and inspiring environment together with formal learning opportunities that lead to qualifications and finding work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiHTv3yitNM
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