Robin Schwartz’s Post

In the crowded landscape of documentaries on homelessness, it's easy to become desensitized. However, I recently came across an exceptional film that cuts through the noise with its honest and deeply considered approach. Watch the Documentary Here https://lnkd.in/gucpqBeG What sets this documentary apart? It doesn’t just highlight the issue—it tells the raw, unfiltered stories of individuals experiencing homelessness. These are not just statistics; they are human beings with histories, dreams, and resilience. The film offers a compassionate look into their lives, emphasising the systemic challenges and personal battles they face daily. Unlike many other documentaries, this one avoids sensationalism. Instead, it focuses on authentic storytelling, providing a platform for those whose voices often go unheard. It challenges us to see beyond the stereotypes and to understand the complexity and humanity of homelessness. I encourage you to take the time to watch this film. It’s an eye-opening experience that will leave you with a deeper understanding and empathy. Let’s continue to support and spread awareness about this critical issue.

This young girl's story is a stark reminder of how we are failing one another. It's clear that the status quo perpetuated by those in power; attorneys, courts, social workers, agencies, organizations, and individuals in similar roles, is killing our community. We need to do better. Let's work together to create a system that truly supports and uplifts those who need it most. This is not an isolated incident. Children of the system often lose their benefits to their guardians or social services workers, leaving them with no support or financial safety. Additionally, there is clearly a huge problem on our streets. The easy access to substances and issues that perpetuate homelessness and crime play a part. Watch her powerful story here: https://lnkd.in/gzsmmVcG We must take action to ensure that no one falls through the cracks of the system. Let's prioritize creating a system that truly serves and empowers those who need it the most.

Thanks to Ian for sharing this link. Ian is a great example of a Social Entrepreneur in my book. Having had lived experience of homelessness he has been able to turn his life around and is now acting as a conduit or platform for those who may be faced with the predicament that he was once in through his Stand Up Speak out podcast - SUSO. Having been offered a helping hand ( not a hand out) he is doing the same to others. Ian was asking me the other day about the Changing Lives programme run by Crisis. I know Crisis have helped Ian in the past. One of the aims of Gresham Benevolent Fund (“ GBF”) which I am Treasurer and Trustee is to help those with lived experience of homelessness set up their own businesses. The link is below. GBF as one of the Supporters of the Changing Lives has offered assistance through the “ Next Step” phase of the programme. In other words (1) Crisis help people set up in business and then (2) Supporters of Changing Lives offer grant assistance or mentoring or a combination of both. Changing Lives is supported by the Bank of the Black Horses 🐎 🐎 🐎 … that’s right Lloyds. So if you want like Ian are a SoloMicro Business or Social Entrepreneur first step is to get in touch with Crisis and see whether they can help. Anthony and Nicola are two Social Entrepreneurs I have listened to on Stand Up Speak Out … hopefully they will also apply to the Changing Lives programme : a Property Developer Business and Media Business respectively. There are 5 million Micro Small Medium Entreprises (“ MSME”) businesses in the UK … if they could join Crisis Changing Lives programme with the financial backing of Lloyds who knows how many helping hands 🙌 could be extended. And you never know you might get a visit from a pack/ herd/ flock of Black Horses 🐎 racing down your street with Florence & the Machine singing her head off. Exciting n’est ce pas? https://lnkd.in/ea3sJU6p

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What does it mean to be friends with a person experiencing homelessness? Read the article I wrote for Real Change News, August 14-20, 2024 issue, giving thought to this question. https://lnkd.in/gNKxffBP You can leave your thoughts on the You Know Me Now Facebook page under the post with this image of Dizzy. Looking forward to the conversation!

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On today's blog you can read how we helped a customer who was homeless get back on his feet. Names have been changed for privacy reasons, but Mr W's story is all too common and even more so in the current cost of living crisis. Take a read here and please reach out to any of our Community Support team if you need help: https://lnkd.in/gAzpYNsG #caringhands #protectandconnect

Tune in NOW for thePoint ep. 42 featuring Kim Jefferies, President & CEO of Haven for Hope. In this episode, we explore why family homelessness has been on the rise, and how Haven for Hope is taking these challenges head-on to help transform people's lives. Watch the full conversation to learn more! #HavenForHope #HopeLivesHere #TransformingLives

People are freaking out about Marbut’s movie. How about some reality? Here’s a short list of some big-budget movies on homelessness. Several won national awards. NONE INFLUENCED POSITIVE CHANGE! Why? Because only people who already care about homelessness watch these movies. What's more important than the movie itself is recognizing that those pushing for criminalization and against housing are heavily investing in media strategies. Marbut’s film will mostly reach faith communities and only for a short period, which is a major flaw in relying on a single campaign for narrative change. To have a significant impact, we need ongoing media efforts—not just one film, but consistent content! Prager University releases 50 videos a week, and the Discovery Institute is investing significantly in news publishing. To have a substantial impact and drive positive change, we need a sustained, relentless media presence in distribution channels where people will actually consume the content. We also need to produce content that will be seen by people who need to be educated by a video on homelessness.

Practical ways to help someone experiencing homelessness 👇