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On the longest nights of the year
This Christmas, over four thousand people volunteered for the homeless charity ‘Crisis’ and helped care for over 1000 guests in one of seven temporary shelters dotted around central London. The guests, some of the most vulnerable members of our community, find sanctuary, friendship and access to a wide variety of resources that are hard to find at other times of the year. The volunteers come from all walks of life, and vary from the curious first-timer, to the ten-year veteran for whom Christmas now means working the night shift in a smoke-filled shelter.
Crisis Open Christmas runs for a week, and by the last days it is only the volunteers’ white name badges that distinguishes many of them from the guests. Over the previous days the guests have received haircuts, new clothes and hearty meals. The volunteers meantime have worked long hours and look dishevelled and weary.
More experienced volunteers will have a red dot added to their badge. This means they are a ‘key volunteer’ and might spend their shift running an area of the shelter. Maybe the café, a sleeping bay, or the front gate where guests enter and exit and have the four rules of Crisis Open Christmas clearly explained to them: No drugs; No drink; No weapons; No violence.
Overseeing shelters are the most experience volunteers that wear green name badges, and it’s their ability to lead, manage and dispense deft touches of exemplary people skills makes the whole thing work.
Many of the volunteers – particularly the first-time volunteers - have experienced a period of change or crisis in their own personal life. That’s the double benefit of Crisis – by giving their time, the volunteers receive a rewarding experience as well as caring for the guests. So you could say Crisis Open Christmas isn’t about homelessness as much as loneliness. Everyone is there for each other.
On the final morning, directly across the street from the famous Lloyds of London Building, the guests at the Leadenhall Street shelter walked outside bleary-eyed and temporarily disorientated. The passers-by greeted them with surprised stares as they made their way to the office. It would be easy to become cynical watching the ‘haves’ trundle past the ‘have-nots’. But on the longest nights of the year, when the guests needed caring for the most, there were hundreds of people who put on their overcoats, tied up their boots, and made sure they were where they were needed. To lend a helping hand and a listening ear.
The following photographs and interviews with the Crisis volunteers took place after the last night shift ended. It’s an emotionally charged time when the stresses and strains of the week are washed away with the help of a few pints. There is a common bond between the volunteers. However, the satisfaction of a job well done is inevitably tempered by the knowledge that the guests, meanwhile, are returning to whatever they left before Christmas.
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Name: Ian
Years volunteering: 7
Why did you first volunteer: I’d seen homeless people on the streets for years, and when I moved to London I had the chance to do something about it.
Why do you keep coming back: Because of the volunteers. They are lovely people to work with.
The best thing that happened this year: On a selfish level, I set up a new operations centre to coordinate all the Crisis Open Christmas logistics, and everything I designed worked. In the past we’ve had one main shelter, one day centre and three smaller referral shelters: Women’s, Quiet and Drinkers. Guests would arrive at the main shelter, which by its nature has a more lively ‘buzzy’ atmosphere, and were then referred elsewhere if they needed a more protected environment.
The main shelter would also have all the major resources like the warehouse and services like medical and advice. This year we moved to a set-up with seven smaller centres (instead of ‘shelters’). These could be more ‘local’ to where our guests are located and help integrate our efforts with the rest of the homeless sector - and support the other charities or services the guests would use the rest of the year.
When this new plan was unveiled to the Green Badge team in May, it was apparent a lot of work was going to be needed to make sure the different centres were provided with the right services and resources. I’ve got a lot of project management experience, and thought it was something where I could make the biggest difference so I volunteered to design the operations centre.
The worst thing that happened: Not a bad thing in itself, but because I was working in operations, I didn’t get to spend time with the guests.
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Name: George
Years volunteering: 5
Why did you first volunteer: My wife suggested it. But not to get rid of me! She knew it was something I’d enjoy and where I could be useful.
Why do you keep coming back: I enjoy it. The fact that it works. And also because it’s not a flag waving organisation. There is no religious or political agenda.
The best thing that happened this year: Finding I have a great support team. I was running the office at my centre this year, and the green badges were very supportive.
The worst thing that happened: On the night shift, there is always a shortage of supplies which was frustrating. Also, this year, because of my job I had less contact with the guests.
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Name: Lucy
Years volunteering: 10
Why did you first volunteer: When I was 15 a bloke from Shelter did a talk about homelessness at my school. He also said I was too young to do anything to help. But when I was 18, a Big Issue vendor that I’d talked to for years gave me an application form for Crisis.
Why do you keep coming back: To see people. To spend Christmas with people I really like. I’d feel I was missing out if I wasn’t here. I guess I’m just too curious.
The best thing that happened this year: For about four hours this evening, no-one phoned or radioed me and I sat and talked with the guests. With one guest we sat and talked for twenty minutes. When you're leading a shift, those moments are very rare. For most of the time you’re managing, and taking crap from the guests. But that’s what I’m here for. It’s part of their unburdening and having the chance to vent.
The worst thing that happened: Robert (one of the green badge team) was sick and couldn’t be here the last two nights. He was a green badge when I started ten years ago and I know how much he wants to be here. Have you seen him talk to the guests? It’s a talent…a gift… it’s awe inspiring. He’s very humble and they really respond to him.
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Name: Simon
Years volunteering: 3
Why did you first volunteer: I was involved as a surveyor with the Millennium Dome (where Crisis Open Christmas had its main shelter in 2004). I was acting on behalf of the people who eventually purchased the Dome and when I heard what it was being used for over Christmas I thought volunteering was a way of putting something back in a building I’d been involved with for so long.
Why do you keep coming back: It’s addictive, isn’t it? I can’t think of a better way to spend my Christmas.
The best thing that happened this year: A lot of good things. As a generality, I feel it was much more appreciated this year in terms of the services we were providing and what Crisis is trying to achieve. In previous years, I’ve had abuse, but this year, I didn’t have any.
The worst thing that happened: The incident that I call Czechoslovakia 1, Poland 0. There was a fracas, and it had been building for a while. At 4AM it exploded in the shelter. You could see what was happening. As we got them out of the door they were taking their jackets off. If we hadn’t done that, the fight would have taken place inside.
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Name: Eden
Years volunteering: 4
Why did you first volunteer: I’d wanted to do it for quite a few years, but my Dad was ill. Then, I thought I could use my days over Christmas in a more productive way than over indulging.
Why do you keep coming back: Because I couldn’t think of anything better to do than spend Christmas with the people I’ve adopted as my family. And meeting the guests – even the ones that give me grief.
The best thing that happened this year: Last year we had a guest with serious psychological problems including a deep hatred of people who drink. When he came to the front gate we asked if we could search him, like we do with all the guests, but he flew into a rage. I spent an hour calming him down and he eventually came in. But someone said something, so he only stayed in ten minutes.
This year, he came back and got the medical help he needed. He was happy and smiling and stayed for three nights. It was really good to see the progress he’d made. When he left this morning, he got to the front gate and realised he hadn’t seen me. So he asked a key volunteer to radio through and thank me. That kind of sums up what we are trying to do.
The worst thing that happened: That’s hard because I can’t think of anything really bad. Everyone seemed much more content than previous years. I guess having to turn people away because we were full was the worst thing.
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Name: Mich
Years volunteering: 5
Why did you first volunteer: I was away from home and love Christmas and being with family, so I needed another family. Back in New Zealand I used to volunteer one day a week so when I saw an ad on telly for Crisis I got involved.
Why do you keep coming back: Because I love it. I love meeting the guests and the volunteers. I love the idea of what Crisis is trying to do. Crisis is a start for some people, and working on a project that’s a start is really rewarding.
The best thing that happened this year: One of the guests said to me, “Next year, I want to come back as a volunteer.”
The worst thing that happened: Getting sick and missing a night shift. It was…(thumps table)…You just don’t miss night shifts!
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Name: Miki
Years volunteering: 1
Why did you first volunteer: Being homeless must be one of the most awful things that can happen to anyone. I also wanted my daughters to spend their Christmases with their partners. You can’t get to know someone unless you live with them for two days over Christmas.
Why would I come back? Because I’ve had a fantastic Christmas. I feel I’ve done something useful and learnt things. Like how easy it is to go downhill quickly.
The best thing that happened this year: Meeting this incredible mix of people. I hadn’t expected that. I met someone I taught maths 40 years ago. She was a volunteer and came up to me after a shift briefing. She said, “Miss, I recognised your voice as soon as you spoke. I had to come over and see if the face matched the voice.”
The worst thing that happened: Nothing. Wherever I’ve been nothing bad has happened. In the context of my personal life, this is the best year I’ve had in about ten years.
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Name: Andy
Years volunteering: 5
Why did you first volunteer: I had nothing else to do. My work was closed, and I’m not that close with my family. Maybe I saw something on the news about Crisis – I can’t remember – but it sucked me in and I thought, ‘this is what I can do.’
Why do you keep coming back: People shout at you. They give you grief, but you get so many positives. Once a year we all meet, and we do our stuff and we do it well. I wouldn’t do it if we fucked about. We watch each others back in more dangerous situations than we’d ever face in real life.
The best thing that happened this year: Well, there’s Dave. He’s got something wrong with his legs and he’s been sleeping rough. But he’s been given a flat, and when he moves on in a few days he’ll be washed and shaved and all ready to start his life again.
Then there’s Sue. She can’t walk properly. She sort of walks on the balls of her feet. She’ll help carrying tables. She isn’t asked. She won’t be thanked. Maybe in two years she’ll be able to cope with being a volunteer and helping. If it takes 4,000 people to change one life, then it’s been worth it.
The worst thing that happened: My Mum died on the second to last night. I carried on here. I don’t know if that makes me a good or a bad person. The worst thing was knowing that you guys here are my family. I was here with Joules who I met five years ago on a random shift allocation. Through her I met my girlfriend Jo.
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Name: Laurence
Years volunteering: 5
Why did you first volunteer: Because I wasn’t going home to Hong Kong for Christmas.
Why do you keep coming back: I've had great chats with people in the middle of the night, and you get so many guests thanking you and shaking your hands because they appreciate what you do. And of course I want to see my Crisis friends.
The best thing that happened this year: A guest saying to me, “I remember you from last year.” I couldn’t remember him, but it’s rewarding to know you’ve made an impression.
The worst thing that happened: Not having a full time medical facility or dependency resource at the shelter where I was working. On the last night we did have a medical bay, but before that people were vomiting in the sleeping bays and probably spreading the infection around. If we had the kind of medical support we used to have in the old Main shelter we might have been able to control the outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting earlier. The lack of on-site dependency cover meant guests couldn't be offered first-hand, 'on-the-spot' advice which would really have benefited some guests.
These things caused real problems this year. But I think they’ve just not yet sorted out the new services at the shelters.
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Name: Karin
Years volunteering: 2
Why did you first volunteer: When I lived in Estonia 3 years ago I was working with homeless people, so when I was in London I wanted to do something here.
Why do you keep coming back: I was quite bored in Estonia. I really liked Crisis last year, so wanted to come back.
The best thing that happened this year: It was great to see the homeless people sleeping and safe. To see my old friends. It is really fun I think. Last year I was afraid and nervous of everything. This year they say I am ‘ball of energy.’ Some of the other volunteers joke they want to adopt me as I am half their age. How old am I? I am twenty.
The worst thing that happened: Nothing bad happened this year.
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Name: Chris
Years volunteering: 8 to 10. I forget exactly.
Why did you first volunteer: Selfish reasons. I hated Christmas, but from that I found something really wonderful. But ultimately, my reasons were selfish.
Why do you keep coming back: Because I feel I can offer something, albeit very small. I also want to see my friends.
The best thing that happened this year: No one died. Someone told me they came in with nothing, and they left with everything. A haircut, clean feet and a place to live.
The worst thing that happened: I was receiving death threats for a prolonged period of time from a guest. The guy had escaped to the upper levels of the building. He wanted to kill himself but couldn’t find the roof. We got him down in the end. He was a stocky lad and up for it.
But holistically, the worst thing is that there are fewer rough sleepers because they are dying. This means there are newer people coming in. This year, the two main shelters slept 1/3 more than the old, single main shelter. If people are here, it means that it’s better than what they have otherwise. But it’s unsafe here. I mean, I wouldn’t want to sleep here, would you?
I’m not saying it isn’t working. It’s a great project, but you’ve got to question it to make it better.
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Name: Eleanor
Years volunteering: 8
Why did you first volunteer: I wanted to do something worthwhile at Christmas.
Why do you keep coming back: I feel that by being here I can make a difference. Even if it’s only to one person. I also like to see my mates.
The best thing that happened this year: There was a guy who’d had a drink problem for years. He’d stopped, but then relapsed. But I was able to get him access to the services that got him back to his family. That made a difference in his life.
The worst thing that happened: Crisis decided not to have dependency as a 24 hour service. I’ve done it for 6 years, and the reason it’s there is to provide advice, support and clean needles to the most vulnerable guests. The needles are really important as this helps stop blood-borne viruses.
But the drug users don’t go to bed at 10pm. These are the most difficult guests we deal with. You know, the aggressive ones that a lot of the volunteers are scared of talking to. I’ve worked with some very suicidal people. We talk about what options are open to them so they don’t feel so useless and helpless. So in terms of psychological support there wasn’t anyone there this year at night. This is the most difficult time, when people say, “Fuck it. My family don’t care about me. Why should I care about me?” That’s when we need to be there and say, “I care about you.”
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Name of volunteer: Sam
Years volunteering: 10
Why did you first volunteer: I’d been meaning to do it for years, and then had no excuse not to.
Why do you keep coming back: For me, it’s the best week of the year. The volunteers are the best people I know on the planet. The guests are also lovely people who just need some time and care.
The best thing that happened this year: It’s been a flat year which isn’t a bad thing. What I mean is that most of our guests are content. The shelters had a safe, homely feel. There weren’t so many emotional highs when something great happened or the lows when something really shitty happened. The best moment for me, was seeing my team – a new, and quite experienced team – really gel.
A single incident? I had banned this really big guy and was walking him out. It was one of those moments when there wasn’t anyone else about. Afterwards, two of the guests came up to me and said, “You were safe. If he’d done anything we’d have jumped in.” This gave me a great sense of confidence. It wasn’t them and us. It was us and us.
What is the worst thing that happened this year: We had to ban a guest. He was big, angry and aggressive, but also quite articulate. I talked to him on two nights after he was banned and he kept asking why he was banned. He knew why. I knew why, but I still couldn’t let him in. |
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