A view from the other side

One of our new volunteers wrote about his experience at Crisis Open Christmas in response to a request from a friend of his. I'm sure he won't mind me reproducing it here.

"The Crisis Open Christmas was an experience new and significant. I have always been volunteering but this was definitely one outside of my comfort zone. It was awe-inspiring to meet a cross section of people, students to city bankers who turned up for the COC with lots of enthusiasm to lend a helping hand for the less privileged. Many came from as far as Portsmouth and Wales staying in hotels at their own cost for the period. It was instructive to learn that some of the volunteers where at some time homeless. There was a union of purpose as everybody threw heart and soul into the duties; cleaning toilets, sweeping floors, patrolling streets, door security, serving coffee, cooking, and even watching over the guests as they slumbered blissfully musical in the sleeping area! None considered any chore condescending. None considered self more important than another. None looked down on the guests. It was clear that volunteers felt a deep commitment to contributing to uplifting the homeless that they added extra shifts to their volunteering. For me it was a life Christmas gift that I had to have "some more" and thus added 2 extra nights to the original 3 I signed up for.

Two weeks ago, when registering I chose the night shifts as the Crisis website put out a special request for night volunteers as they were quite short in numbers. Later I was to feel apprehensive, lampooning myself for an "excess enthusiasm for humanistic ideals" which may have dulled my “Sense before Slogan”. I concluded that it was foolhardy to have jumped into nights for an assignment I neither adequately understood nor knew what to expect. And how silly it seemed to me to have chosen to spend my precious Christmas nights away from pub and club, away from the cuddle of quilt and wife. How could I sign away the certainty of cosiness for a vigil of unpredictability? It was a very disconcerted man, who I realised was me, that turned up at Centre 3 for the first night of the Crisis Open Christmas. It was inadequate calming to discover that many like me were first time volunteers. The ‘green badges’ who were in charge of the night shift excelled in allaying some of the thoughts nagging me. I could see on the faces of other new volunteers that I was not an exception. Later in conversation with other volunteers, I was to confirm this.

After my first two nights, I was ashamed by the realisation that my initial concern was rooted in a blinkered notion that homelessness is synonymous with drug addiction, alcoholism, mental illness and crime. Each of the guests at the centre had their own story. There where those for whom living on the streets was a way of life: Those who hard times pushed out from under a shelter: Those who possibly are on the streets because of alcoholism, drug addiction and varying degrees of reduced responsibility. There were many others for whom the chilly doorways of London’s streets is the home they can afford. Whatever a guest’s circumstance, was not the concern of Crisis and the volunteers. The doors of COC were open to all with the simple but strictly ensured rule: No Under 18s. No Drugs. No Alcohol. No Weapons. No Violence.

Ours was to provide a one-week of Christmas delight for the homeless. Judgment was inconsequential and guests’ circumstance of absolutely no relevance to this humanistic treat. Every guest was treated with respect and dignity. We waited on them like kings and queens. A three square feast was laid out for them in the dinning. While in the cafe they had unlimited access to as much snacks and beverage as they wanted. They enjoyed haircuts, massages, life music, bingo, dances, movies, Internet, library and a craft corner. There was a range of toiletries, clothes and shoes, for their asking. There were legal, mortgage and all sorts of counselling at their disposal, availing them with advice that can help them overcome the problems of homelessness. Indeed, the guests were the lords and ladies of the manor while the volunteers were at their beck and call.

I don’t think it is overly sentimental to say that the Crisis Open Christmas provides unconditional love for the homeless. This heartfelt opinion is my summation of the Crisis Open Christmas experience. It probably deepens our humanity in a world where capitalism urges towards the shallow ‘safety’ of materialism and selfism. Without a doubt, service to a person who cannot reward you in any tangible way must be a sort of sacrifice and may be a truer definition for humanity. It was a goose bump incident when a guest expressed gratitude for “you guys volunteering to take care of us”. It was a strange and sterling moment!

An indescribable emotion hovers around a heartfelt “thank you” from a total stranger who you may never meet again or will never recognise you even if you meet again. There is something about it that deepens the value of people. Here lies the essence of the Crisis Open Christmas. Here lies the reward for volunteers: that real and priceless feeling of having contributed to humanity with “a simple helping hand.” There is a profound fulfilment only this kind of experience can provide. And indeed the opportunity of reaching the selfless corner of our being is a rare privilege that one must be glad to have taken. There is a kick in it.

We spend a great deal of time talking about philosophies, religions and ideals. The experience of the Crisis Open Christmas has opened my consciousness otherwise. What are philosophies if they are useless to life? What are ideas if they are mere literature? What is a creed if it is shackled to pages and lips? The people behind Crisis are spot on in the well thought out, clear-cut plans and actions dedicated to combating the problem of homelessness. Someone suggested that the Crisis Open Christmas is an encouragement to homelessness. This opinion may hold an unacquainted assumption that for all, homelessness is a choice. And sincerely I cannot see how the wonderful week of Christmas warmth and treat backed by vital free advisory and training services coupled with other year round programmes is not a practical support for the homeless to overcome their circumstance.

In five nights of volunteering for Crisis Open Christmas, I have realized the essence of actively being part of a solution to overcome destitution in society. A simple helping hand as a volunteer is a good place to start. At the Crisis Open Christmas, I have learnt more about selfless service from the four inspiringly untiring ‘green badges’ of the night shift, the gallant and enthusiastic volunteers and of course from the very special guests of Centre 3. "