Fill in the blank.

Homelessness is a/ an ______ issue in the UK.

I’d go for massive. Maybe even devastatingly immensely large. You could also probably go for low priority, Government doesn’t give a fuck. Over 6,200 people slept rough in London during 2012 on any one night. That’s a bit of a big deal.

Makes you think doesn’t it? Or maybe it doesn’t.

Since December, I’ve been working with a few charities in order to understand the issues and reasons for street living. There are a plethora of ‘knowns’ as to why it happens. Alcoholism, abuse and inherent personality traits are often detailed as the rationale behind such. Truthfully though this is a sloppy, lazy way to brand the issue. Sadly its come about by our lack of interest in the issue. It is much more complex. Unfortunately this post will not cover a conversation on a strategic level that’s for another day and another time; operationally is where a difference can be made in the immediate.

Suffice to say, unequal societies have greater levels of homelessness. Many pieces of recent research highlight this. The question we should ask ourselves is — If we live in and grow a society is homelessness partly our fault? Or is it the Governments?

The Spirit Level proves that inequality leads to societal issues — homelessness, crime, even obesity. The data is there in black and white. The interesting point though is that unlike Government policy, we can actively change inequality. We’ll never solve the problem without structural change, but we can use the current situation as an opportunity to help one person.

Since its all of our faults why aren’t we willing to fix it? Why not assist those in need? The reason lies in society — we put an emphasis on the individual. Status is a necessity. I want, I need, I am.

Due to this small steps are the answer. I set myself the challenge to volunteer as often as possible in 2014. So far I have. I’ve missed some weeks, done well with others. A job and life in a capital city can and do tend to get in the way. The point is its something, a start. Importantly it became part of my life rather than a feel good add on. The reason being that volunteering has many avenues, its fun, interesting and exciting. It also puts you at the coal face of the issues whilst giving you the opportunity to alleviate them.

Think about an issue you’re interested in and do it. The more you give, the more you get.