Ironically, when I rushed out this morning, having overslept, I had to step over a couple who were sleeping in front of the door of the building I live in. When I returned after a busy day in the dining area (see yesterday's entry for details... very little was different except that we fed more people - I was involved in no incidents), the couple were settling down again for the night.
As I unlocked the main door to the building, the bloke asked me in French if I had any blankets to spare. I told them I'd have a look. I doubt if any of my neighbours would be over the moon to learn that the couple now have one more sleeping bag with which to fend off the cold in our doorway, but hey! What do you want me to do? It's Christmas Day!!
They also now have a map with the addresses of three of the Crisis centres.
The girl told me that they are French and will return to France tomorrow. I told them they could chuck the sleeping bag when they've finished with it.
I'm sitting here wondering how they ended up here, clearly having been living rough for several days.
Maybe I could have (should have?) done more. Perhaps I should have invited them inside - I have two double beds in my flat, after all. A small voice tells me I ought to walk outside now and ask them in for something warm to eat and a hot shower.
I'm not going to though.
Here I am being 'all charitable' by helping at a homeless centre during the day, yet I can still turn my back on a pleasant, civilised couple who are about to kip down in the cold on my doorstep.
I don't feel particularly proud right now. I'm not sure if I will be able to sleep with my decision, but I've made one and I've sticking with it: I've given up a sleeping bag and explained where they can go for shelter. So why do I feel like I've just made a half-arsed attempt to do some good?
Ho hum.
Joe died this evening. Adieu Joe.
Posted by dompannell at December 26, 2006 12:06 AM | TrackBackIt seems rather apt that during the Christmas season you find a couple on your doorstep seeking sanctuary. Was there a star shining bright over your tower block that night? I don't think so. You should know by now that appearances CAN be deceptive. You made the right decision.
Have a large glass of red wine, chill out and sleep well for the rest of the week.
Posted by: Helen at December 27, 2006 11:03 PM