IMPORTANT Information regarding the closure of Hearthounds please can people share - nothing nasty just some facts that anybody interested in genuinely helping homeless and dogs may find useful. Thank you for reading :) . Well early indications are Hearthound is finally admitting defeat and closing. Their own admins have resigned but have popped on to the page and advised people to cancel their DD and NOT donate. For anybody concerned that this leaves the homeless and their dogs vulnerable. Please read this which explains exactly what is out there week in week out for the guys. In particular note that after HH took peoples well earned money for a Xmas meal for the homeless they said the police had advised them not get the guys together as they dont get on (!!). Well The Crypt and Homeless in Leeds seemed to have not received the same advice. Thats sarcasm by the way. Just to reassure those of you that are concerned about the guys and the dogs. In Leeds we have several organisations and individuals that work with the guys. St Georges Crypt, Simon on The Streets ,Instep Leeds and Homeless in Leeds. St Anns to name just a few. Additionally the CMHT has a team on the streets four times a week (more if needed). Over Xmas in Leeds all homeless are found beds (the churches help with this) and any that dont take up the offer the outreach teams go out on Xmas day to deliver dinner and presents and alert the CMHT as isolation is one of the symptoms of depression. St Georges Crypt also offers Xmas lunch to anybody who is alone at Xmas and along with the homeless valuable social contact and company is experienced. Homeless in Leeds run an event where they ask people to bring food and they eat together with the homeless providing social contact and conversation along with the food that is crucial in preventing mental illness and helps alleviate any mental distress far better than any prescribed pill or potion. Although they dont appeal for funds people often donate so on Boxing day they asked people not to bring food but presents and with the funds provided a three course candlelight meal in a decorated church hall. Fabulous. Check them out on facebook. Those of you in Leeds may want to get involved with this a similar event is also hosted by Payam from the Junk Food Project in Leeds. Perhaps events like this are held where you live or perhaps homeless groups in your town or city would be interested in doing the same. Local churches often help with providing free venues and resources. Some of the guys you have been helping are in fact in hostel accommodation so do get a clean warm bed. We have dog friendly hostels. However hostel life is only a temporary measure and these guys are still worthy of your support. I can also confirm that anybody who is officially homeless (hostel is still classed as homeless) should they move into private rented accommodation Leeds City Council pays the deposit. So you see the deposits are pretty much covered as well. What you can all do though is check with your local homeless groups and check that they registered with the Hope Project or local Dogs Trust as both can arrange free and immediate vet care for street dogs just like the dogs in Leeds get. Just a couple of phone calls and the dogs where you are can get the help they need. One further thing I have seen quite lot of HH publicity saying Leeds City Council has a no pet policy. This is not the case they say no pets in high rise blocks of flats and have a two pet rule. It can be two cats two dogs or one of each. A quick email or live web chat with LCC will confirm this. All the organisations in Leeds prefer food donations or volunteers so please check before donating what they need as they dont like waste and dont stockpile. I do hope that you continue to support the homeless and their dogs you clearly all really care and I hope you follow up on some of my suggestion. There is no such thing as too much help. I strongly recommend the sociable food events they are humbling and uplifting and you will also be beneficial to somebodys mental health. I should also add some of the outreach workers also carry dog coats, dog food etc.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 12:01:33 +0000