“Being homeless is the outcome of a much bigger story….”
Hazel Ozturk
This blog has been stripped bare to signify how little some people have.
With 22 days until the autumnal equinox and conversely only 22 days of summer left, the careful balancing act of clothing begins. Will we have a scorching September like that of 2016 which saw the hottest September for 105 years or will it be wet and windy? What would you do without shelter on those stormy days?
For those of us permanently based in the UK we never really put our raincoat and woollies away. With that in mind, September is really much the same as the rest of the year. We keep a little of each season’s clothing in the bottom drawer or top shelf just in case we need it. I suppose that’s what makes living in the UK great and why we are credited for always talking about the weather!
As the days begin to shorten and we slowly slide into autumn, the trick is to dig out key pieces from the departing season and plan for cooler and wetter weather. If you are anything like me, you will also be keeping an eye out for key pieces for the party season.
Although I yearn for summer, particularly as this one has just passes by in a cloud, I really love autumn. Crimson leaves falling from the trees and piling up on the ground and the chance to layer my clothing in 101 different and colourful ways. I think it is that use of colour in what can be a very grey season which is so uplifting.
If you do nothing else this weekend, take stock of your wardrobe. Give to charity, particularly the homeless charities which do so much good. You would really be surprised by how many ordinary people like you and I are actually on the streets and heartbroken to see very young adults sleeping in cardboard boxes.
When you feel cold this autumn, think about just how cold you really feel and be grateful that you have several clean jumpers and coats to wear. Most of all, be grateful that you have the capacity to change someone else’s life by just giving a little from the comfort of your home.
So, this year, if you are able, donate the cost of one outfit to help others.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/
https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/donate/
https://centrepoint.org.uk/donate/
https://www.mind.org.uk/donate