It’s recently been announced by Exeter City Council that the majority of homeless people in the city of Exeter are not ‘homeless’ but are in fact accommodated and ask unsuspecting students for money solely in order to finance their desire for drink and drugs. This is a shocking revelation which must disturb caring, sensitive people who see the situation of homelessness in the UK as a very pressing concern. But it’s clear that, in fact, it’s actually being exploited by ruthless and selfish individuals. Harsh words, perhaps. But that’s what it is, right?
The research undertaken by the City Council is revealing, particularly for students who are often asked for money by ‘homeless’ people when in the town centre. This has happened to me countless times, and let me tell you, as I’m sure you all know, it’s often a very difficult experience. I really do feel sorry for people who are genuinely homeless, particularly in the freezing winter conditions, and I think it’d be great if society did more to help them. I’ve given money to them before out of pity, hoping that they can do something to remedy their situation and make something of their life. But is the view that ‘giving money is just perpetuating the problem’ true?
Well, if the people aren’t homeless in the first place, then yes, and it’s, frankly, disgusting that they voluntarily take money from students to buy things such as drink and drugs when they know students have a very difficult financial situation as it is – in fact, it’s a form of exploitation, and should be punished. But this begs the obvious question: how do you tell if a person is genuinely homeless or not? It’s often impossible to tell, and it’s surely unfair if people are really homeless are penalised and made to suffer further because some dishonest individuals are giving their situation a bad name.
So what I think is best: I think it’s personal choice really, give some money if you want (I never give too much), but be wary, and that’s why I’d advise not giving too much just to be sure. Being cynical is never good, but at the end of the day, we students need our money, and dishonest crooks shouldn’t be allowed to take it from us.
Conor Byrne
exeposedev 