Ben Solanky

Volunteer heroes in Winter shelters

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Ben

My story of hope is about a chap called Chris who I met whilst working with a number of agencies focussed on poverty. One of those partners was a winter shelter that are places where homeless people can come and get support. I remember Chris quite specifically because he was quite a cheeky chap and ended up observing one of our immersive programs based around an Indian slum. At the end in front of everyone Chris stepped in and asked for the microphone. "I'd like to thank the winter shelter for helping me, I was there last night and woke up this morning and got given these new boots and this jacket. Six months ago, I lost my job and my wife left me and I ended up on the streets and I just like to say thank you to the winter shelter". I found out tragically that a few years later Chris died of alcohol related issues. Everyday in shelters and programs up and down the country are quite extraordinary acts of empathy and hopefulness, acts of solidarity, of being willing to be in the moment with people like Chris and so many others.

Compassion and Empathy

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