From Hook of Holland, Sheltersuit Foundation founder Bas Timmer set sail for the port of Harwich in late December. Indeed, after Germany, Great Britain was the next stop on the European Sheltersuit Tour. The ferry carried an important cargo: 30 Sheltersuits for English and Scottish homeless people to get through the cold winter months.
Twelve 'suits' for homeless in Margate
Behind the wheel of the motor home, Bas was the first to call at Margate. In that coastal town in England's Thanet district, the New Life Family Church (NLFC) raised money for homeless people: "rough sleepers" in English. With the proceeds, NLFC donated 12 sheltersuits to the RISE team in Thanet.
RISE stands for Rough Sleeper, Intervention, Support and Empowerment. This organization seeks out homeless people and works with the rough sleepers to find out why they are unable to find shelter. Are they struggling with financial or psychological problems? Are there serious family problems or perhaps drug abuse? The RISE team then supports the rough sleepers by putting them in touch with social services or by helping them fill out application forms.
Of course, solving complex problems takes time. That is why in Thanet district, some 15 people are currently still unwillingly bivouacked on the streets. The twelve sheltersuits delivered by Bas have therefore been received with open arms. Christo Beukes, president of the NLFC summed up the important work of Sheltersuit briefly, "In this way we can make a difference to those sleeping rough this winter."
Edinburgh inspiration for Enschede's Sleep Out
After visiting Margate, Bas traveled to London with the Sheltersuit camper. During Christmas he distributed 2 sheltersuits there. A Christmas gift for which homeless George was very grateful: "I really appreciate receiving this sheltersuit during Christmas. I will never forget that."
After visiting London over Christmas, Bas began the journey toward Scotland. Along the way, he stopped at Cambridge where he handed a Sheltersuit to a grateful homeless person. After a long drive, Bas arrived in the Edinburgh area. The Scottish capital is hosting the "World's Big Sleep Out" on December 7, 2019. That is a call to end homelessness around the world. With that, Edinburgh is the inspiration for the Sheltersuit Foundation's Sheltersuit Sleep Out to be held in hometown Enschede on the night of March 14-15.
Want to know more about the Sheltersuit Foundation's visit to Edinburgh? Read more about some special encounters in the following blog.
