Squats, empty buildings and social housing @ Bearpit Outdoor Gallery

Just a couple of minutes ago, I was coming back from the city centre when some young guys who were begging or just hanging out in a tunnel-pass at the Bearpit asked me to smile. I don't really like when people I don't know asks me to smile, neither people I know. Why could I smile if a couple of metres before a wall reminded myself how screwed up the world is.

"There are 4.1 million homeless people and 11 million empty houses in Europe"
(Photos taken 23rd May 2014)

Over a year ago, I read in one Spanish newspaper the first case of a woman who killed himself because she couldn't afford living anymore. The bank would take her out of her house because she wouldn't pay her morgage; she was unemployed, her husband left her and she had some children's mouth to feed. It was not the first and last case. Sadly, week after week, I have read many similar cases.

For years, many people were living above their limits, buying stuff they couldn't afford, the banks gave money to people who wouldn't be able to pay off... Then, the crisis knocked the door of most families. Those who were lucky enough to keep their jobs, they had under very crappy condition; those who weren't as lucky, lost their jobs, running away this world as fast as they could and leaving to their beloved family a legacy of debts and owings.

This is sadly what the exhibition at the Bearpit Outdoor Gallery reminded me of. I am sure this is the impression the artists wanted to get from people. And then, some idiots asked me to smile. Here is my smile, then.

"The writing on the Wall"

Photographs of Europe's Hidden Spaces

www.furnessphotography.com

Donate a Christmas meal

Last week, I received a letter from an organisation called Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people. In the "Crisis at Christmas" appeal, they are searching for people who feel generous enough to make a donation to reserve a seat at a multitudinous Christmas dinner for someone who is homeless. It automatically reminded me of the couple from Atlanta who, after cancelling their wedding, they decided to donate their four-course wedding reception meal to 200 homeless people (read here).  

I am not sure if I have become a more generous person since I am in the UK, but as soon as I read the letter, I actually considered making a donation. During my time in the UK, I have noticed that British people are much more concerned of this kind of stuff and are willing to make what is in their power contribute. Even though a report published the 13th September 2013 says "one in four do little or nothing for charity", I think it is very positive that the other three out of four do "something". 

I have never donated money to an organisation before, mostly because I am not sure the donated money will ever get to them. I don't like those kind of people who donate to feel better persons and I don't even like the idea of donating JUST because it is Christmas time. We might be able to solve more issues by doing a caring action to the guy you see everyday playing his flute on your way home, for example.

Nevertheless, I should start with one step, first. This first step will be a hot Christmas dinner for somebody who will be very thankful.

LINKS

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Website: http://www.crisis.org.uk/

Reserve a dinner for homeless people here.