Help Moz & His Street Family
Donation protected
UPDATE FOR EVERYONE- Previous story below....
12.02.2016
It has been a roller coaster of a campaign!
My eyes have been fully opened to the complexities of the plight of the homeless and resources available to them.
Good news: Roxy the beautiful Staff, Jack and pups have a foster mother; this finally happened at midnight last night. I was saddened to hear that another puppy died yesterday. The next step is to talk to the PDSA. I will ensure they are fully checked over - photos to follow. Any money spent will be carefully received and documented.
The tale of the street family unfolds; much for consideration. I have been sent many heartfelt private messages. There is concern from many aspects - no one deserves to be on the street. What I now know to be true is that Moz, John and Jack (the dad dog) are eligible to go into supported housing and there are at least 12 associations available to help with all required needs. Places are limited with pets but there are a few.
Below is information passed to me through letters from anonymous sources:
‘I read with interest in the Echo about your efforts to raise money for 'Moz', and first of all wanted to thank you for your kind-heartedness and great intentions.
Moz is homeless, doesn't have a degree, has been evicted from a number of properties in Cheltenham over the years due to drug dealing, non-payment of rent, fraud etc. He is quite well known locally and chosen not engage with any services at all.
Please do not misunderstand me, I think your intentions are very honourable, and I really hope that Moz will take this opportunity to turn himself around. I'm sorry to say that he may struggle to do so. Moz's intentions are also good; he is at heart a well-intentioned man. However, his complex needs stop him from moving on positively.
Currently Cheltenham has a wealth of support available from hugely dedicated, knowledgeable and empathic people. St Mungo’s and CHAC provide an excellent outreach service and CHAC is open for people to simply walk in if they choose. People then have their needs assessed with a multi-agency approach. Our homeless population is then offered the first available place in a selection of high support projects. This can be either Stonham or The YMCA. Residents are then each allocated a dedicated key worker who supports them in all aspects of their life; the end goal being stable independent living.
There are drug treatment services that provide medication, support and a selection of methods to aid people to live a drug free life. Then it comes down to the choice of the resident. If they want a fulfilling life then the support is there to achieve this, if they choose not to take the opportunity then that's OK too. It's all about choice because the help is out there. The town’s services are trying again and will continue to try. It's not a one-time offer; we have patience and understanding.
Homelessness is not a single issue problem. The causes are many and varied. Simply putting a roof over someone's head won't cure the problem it will simply postpone it. A multi-agency approach to tackle the causes does help.
Anonymous’
Over the last few days of enlightenment it was phrased ’Success to some people is to be feared as much as failure to others.’ I guess the path up is hard for everybody.
Through much deliberation it seems the agenda is to find a private house, a calm place to sit and forget the world; after a life of this kind of trauma who can blame them? But in their minds finding a private house will give them the freedom to do that. The reality is their ‘calm’ world is likely to create chaos around them; I have sampled the chaos in the last few days and it is not a nice place to be.
Unless anyone who has donated has any objections or better ideas I am going to offer the money to Cheltenham Housing Aid to put into a deposit scheme. I will contact Turning Point and if Moz and John are happy to show they are clean and on the right path in a mutually agreed time, and a private landlord will take them, the money will go to that private landlord or split between two. If they are not, then the money raised will help other homeless people in Cheltenham who so desperately deserve it.
Do I regret started this campaign? Absolutely not! The money will go to a great cause either way. Do I wish I had done more homework on Moz previously to starting? No, as I would never been exposed to the rawness of what being homeless actually is. Do I hold my hat off to everybody that works in these associations? Absolutely, yes!
The services available are simply fantastic please see the list below.
TURNING POINT
Tel: 03001231512
Web: http://www.turning-point.co.uk/mental-health.aspx
Mental Health
We understand that reacting to mental health and wellbeing needs varies for each person, so we always focus on you as an individual. Whatever your situation and however complex your needs, we can help you lead a full and happy life.
We provide:
Floating support
Supported housing
Integrated community support for people with complex needs
Talking therapies for conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression
Crisis interventions
Independent hospitals
Residential rehabilitation
Forensic services
http://www.turning-point.co.uk/substance-misuse.aspx
Substance Misuse
For over 50 years we've helped thousands of people, across England and Wales, find a new direction and move forward on their journey to recovery.
We are one of the largest providers of substance misuse services in England and our range of drug and alcohol services help people recover from addiction and gain control of their lives.We know that successful treatment starts with being there at the right time - providing support when you're ready to take the next step.
We provide:
Residential rehabilitation services
Residential detox
Supported People services
Integrated services
Psychological interventions service
Drug intervention programme services
Care coordination services
Open access services
The Resolution Clinic
CHELTENHAM HOUSING AID CENTRE
Tel: 01242 228999
Web: http://www.chac.org.uk/
"Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre exists to provide advice, help and information to empower and enable people to resolve housing need."
Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre provides specialist housing advice to clients who have mental health issues or drug and alcohol issues who live in Cheltenham or who are looking to reside here.
Established in 1988, Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre is a small independent charity, that provides free advice and information to help vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community resolve housing issues and thereby improve their quality of life. Currently, we provide specialist
housing advice to clients who have mental health or drug and alcohol issues who live in Cheltenham or who are looking to reside here.
CCP DROP IN CENTRE
Tel: 01242 228 999
Web: http://1078337790.7514980.temp.prositehosting.co.uk/cheltenham-1st-stop/
Address: Cheltenham 1st Stop, 301 High Street, Cheltenham.
Cheltenham 1st Stop currently offers access to services including:
Housing Options
Gloucestershire Advocacy Service
Cheltenham Benefits Advice and Financial Inclusion Service
Education, Training and Employment
Information, Advice and Guidance
Family and Parenting Services
Free Time and Leisure Opportunities
Crisis Intervention services
Emergency Accommodation
CCP Foodshare emergency food parcels
CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL OPTIONS TEAM
Tel: 01242 775168
Web:http://www.cheltborohomes.org/housing-advice/contact-housing-options-team/
Contact Housing Options Team
Our housing options team can help you find a suitable home for your needs or prevent you from losing your current home. There are many housing options available and the team will be able to discuss them with you. We can give you advice about whether you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply looking for help with your housing issue.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE OUT REACH TEAM- ST MUNGOS BROADWAY About St Mungo's
Tel: 0300 [phone redacted]
Web: http://www.mungos.org/how_you_can_help/make_a_donation
Our vision is that everyone has a place to call home and can fulfil their hopes and ambitions.
As a homelessness charity and housing association our clients are at the heart of what we do.
We provide a bed and support to more than 2,500 people a night who are either homeless or at risk, and work to end homelessness and rebuild lives.
We support men and women through more than 250 projects including:
Emergency, hostel and supportive housing projects
Advice services
Specialist physical and mental health services
Skills and work services
STREET LINK - If you are worried about a rough sleeper
Tel: 0300 5000914
Web: www.streetlink.org
Our community-based housing-related support service aims to improve the quality of people's lives, by promoting independent living and encouraging people to build on their existing strengths. This flexible service will also work with people who are in crisis, helping them to develop their own solutions by providing support and guidance to reduce the likelihood of crisis reoccurring. Support is provided in a range of community locations, where people work or live.
P3
Tel: 0800 [phone redacted]
Web: http://www.p3charity.org/gloucestershire-community-based-support
The service is available for adults in the following areas and can offer a wide range of support including:
Maximising benefits
Staying independent
Dealing with debts
Accessing community groups
Getting back into education and training
Getting in touch with other agencies
TRINITY GARAGE/ TRINITY HOUSE
Tel: 01242 808 789
Behind Trinity Church: Services: Hot Showers, clothing, food , provisions
OPEN DOOR
39 Grovesnor Street Cheltenham
Providing food and hot drinks, showers, TV, companionship and respect
YMCA Accommodation
Tel: 01242 533939.
Web: http://cheltenhamymca.com/accommodation/#
We provide supported, affordable, residential accommodation in the heart of Cheltenham.
For further information please email [email redacted],
Our brand new accommodation complex at our main Vittoria Walk site in the centre of Cheltenham offers:
Single rooms, each with its own en suite facilities, sharing a communal kitchen/dining area
Self-contained apartments (foyer accommodation) offered with the support of our housing team
In line with Cheltenham YMCA’s ethos, help and support is given to all our residents.
Home Group, a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £325m, is one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products.
Home Group, a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £325m, is one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products. Founded in the North East by an Act of Parliament in the 1930s, our mission is: “to help our customers and clients to open doors to new opportunities and healthy lives”.
· We house over 120,000 people a year, managing 55,000 homes in over 200 local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales.
· Each year this includes working with almost 30,000 vulnerable people through 500+ supported housing, justice and health services.
· We are the UK’s largest provider of care and support services with 36 years’ experience.
· We have a turnover of £327 million and assets valued at £2.8 billion.
· 92% of our customers and 94% of our clients are satisfied with our services.
The Samaritans
Tel: 01242 515777
Web:http://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-cheltenham-and-district-branch
Finding a way to be yourself
Salvation Army
Tel: 01242 523412
Web: http://www.salvationarmycheltenham.co.uk/
If there is something troubling
We are a growing, vibrant church with a deep desire to actively demonstrate and communicate the love and power of Jesus Christ in our community. We believe that Christianity is more about ‘relationship’ than ‘religion’.
We would be pleased to serve you or welcome you into our church fellowship irrespective of your background or beliefs. Everybody is equally welcome and valued at The Salvation Army.
We meet for worship every Sunday at 10am - come just as you are; leave transformed!
PREVIOUS STORY
It's nearly 4am and I cannot sleep for worrying about a homeless man Moz I met last week.
He is in Cheltenham and has 2 dogs. The female gave birth to 8 puppies they are 10 days old.
Only 7 puppies now, as 1 sadly died. They are all sleeping rough in this weather. Their shelter is the back of a building, with some carefully draped plastic sheeting for cover and blankets, but that is it.
Moz and his friend John stick together, and are eligible for £590 a month emergency housing benefit from the council for accommodation.
Moz has had the mummy dog for 3 years and she is a red:brown Staff/Jack Russel mix, very pretty! The dad is a black Staff and has been with him for around 12 years.He loves his dogs, they have been through so much together they are Moz's family he won't part with his dogs, why should he?
The ideal situation would be a home for all of them until the puppies are old enough to leave their mum. They are super tiny and need warmth and care.
Moz says he has a masters degree in psychology, lost his family at 15, and has battled addiction and is nearly 3 years clean, he wants to be a youth worker,he writes music, plays the guitar and paint and decorates. He wants to work he just can't so earns money through begging and busking.
He has been beaten up many times in the last year and is currently on crutches.
He and John want a home, dignity, security, stability and a chance to work.
Please help with the any of the following. It's wet and freezing out there and these guys are the genuine beggars in Cheltenham, we all see them, so here is an opportunity to really help.
They desperately need:
1st A landlord to offer accommodation for 2 adults 2 dogs and 7 tiny puppies, the council will pay £590 a month When the puppies go to good homes it will be 2 adult males to be housed and 2 very well trained lovely dogs
2nd Money for food and to pay a landlord deposit and a couple of months rent so they can set up a new life
3rd Anything else substantial
4th A dog carrier or cage
5th Compassion
6th A paraffin heater, paraffin, camping stove and gas bottle and camping kettle would be brilliant for short term
Please share this post and inbox me if you have an empty place. If you want to donate cash please do. I anticipate £3000-£4000 would be enough to get these guys off the street and warm and ready to get jobs and food, but literally £3 would help right now.
12.02.2016
It has been a roller coaster of a campaign!
My eyes have been fully opened to the complexities of the plight of the homeless and resources available to them.
Good news: Roxy the beautiful Staff, Jack and pups have a foster mother; this finally happened at midnight last night. I was saddened to hear that another puppy died yesterday. The next step is to talk to the PDSA. I will ensure they are fully checked over - photos to follow. Any money spent will be carefully received and documented.
The tale of the street family unfolds; much for consideration. I have been sent many heartfelt private messages. There is concern from many aspects - no one deserves to be on the street. What I now know to be true is that Moz, John and Jack (the dad dog) are eligible to go into supported housing and there are at least 12 associations available to help with all required needs. Places are limited with pets but there are a few.
Below is information passed to me through letters from anonymous sources:
‘I read with interest in the Echo about your efforts to raise money for 'Moz', and first of all wanted to thank you for your kind-heartedness and great intentions.
Moz is homeless, doesn't have a degree, has been evicted from a number of properties in Cheltenham over the years due to drug dealing, non-payment of rent, fraud etc. He is quite well known locally and chosen not engage with any services at all.
Please do not misunderstand me, I think your intentions are very honourable, and I really hope that Moz will take this opportunity to turn himself around. I'm sorry to say that he may struggle to do so. Moz's intentions are also good; he is at heart a well-intentioned man. However, his complex needs stop him from moving on positively.
Currently Cheltenham has a wealth of support available from hugely dedicated, knowledgeable and empathic people. St Mungo’s and CHAC provide an excellent outreach service and CHAC is open for people to simply walk in if they choose. People then have their needs assessed with a multi-agency approach. Our homeless population is then offered the first available place in a selection of high support projects. This can be either Stonham or The YMCA. Residents are then each allocated a dedicated key worker who supports them in all aspects of their life; the end goal being stable independent living.
There are drug treatment services that provide medication, support and a selection of methods to aid people to live a drug free life. Then it comes down to the choice of the resident. If they want a fulfilling life then the support is there to achieve this, if they choose not to take the opportunity then that's OK too. It's all about choice because the help is out there. The town’s services are trying again and will continue to try. It's not a one-time offer; we have patience and understanding.
Homelessness is not a single issue problem. The causes are many and varied. Simply putting a roof over someone's head won't cure the problem it will simply postpone it. A multi-agency approach to tackle the causes does help.
Anonymous’
Over the last few days of enlightenment it was phrased ’Success to some people is to be feared as much as failure to others.’ I guess the path up is hard for everybody.
Through much deliberation it seems the agenda is to find a private house, a calm place to sit and forget the world; after a life of this kind of trauma who can blame them? But in their minds finding a private house will give them the freedom to do that. The reality is their ‘calm’ world is likely to create chaos around them; I have sampled the chaos in the last few days and it is not a nice place to be.
Unless anyone who has donated has any objections or better ideas I am going to offer the money to Cheltenham Housing Aid to put into a deposit scheme. I will contact Turning Point and if Moz and John are happy to show they are clean and on the right path in a mutually agreed time, and a private landlord will take them, the money will go to that private landlord or split between two. If they are not, then the money raised will help other homeless people in Cheltenham who so desperately deserve it.
Do I regret started this campaign? Absolutely not! The money will go to a great cause either way. Do I wish I had done more homework on Moz previously to starting? No, as I would never been exposed to the rawness of what being homeless actually is. Do I hold my hat off to everybody that works in these associations? Absolutely, yes!
The services available are simply fantastic please see the list below.
TURNING POINT
Tel: 03001231512
Web: http://www.turning-point.co.uk/mental-health.aspx
Mental Health
We understand that reacting to mental health and wellbeing needs varies for each person, so we always focus on you as an individual. Whatever your situation and however complex your needs, we can help you lead a full and happy life.
We provide:
Floating support
Supported housing
Integrated community support for people with complex needs
Talking therapies for conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression
Crisis interventions
Independent hospitals
Residential rehabilitation
Forensic services
http://www.turning-point.co.uk/substance-misuse.aspx
Substance Misuse
For over 50 years we've helped thousands of people, across England and Wales, find a new direction and move forward on their journey to recovery.
We are one of the largest providers of substance misuse services in England and our range of drug and alcohol services help people recover from addiction and gain control of their lives.We know that successful treatment starts with being there at the right time - providing support when you're ready to take the next step.
We provide:
Residential rehabilitation services
Residential detox
Supported People services
Integrated services
Psychological interventions service
Drug intervention programme services
Care coordination services
Open access services
The Resolution Clinic
CHELTENHAM HOUSING AID CENTRE
Tel: 01242 228999
Web: http://www.chac.org.uk/
"Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre exists to provide advice, help and information to empower and enable people to resolve housing need."
Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre provides specialist housing advice to clients who have mental health issues or drug and alcohol issues who live in Cheltenham or who are looking to reside here.
Established in 1988, Cheltenham Housing Aid Centre is a small independent charity, that provides free advice and information to help vulnerable and disadvantaged members of our community resolve housing issues and thereby improve their quality of life. Currently, we provide specialist
housing advice to clients who have mental health or drug and alcohol issues who live in Cheltenham or who are looking to reside here.
CCP DROP IN CENTRE
Tel: 01242 228 999
Web: http://1078337790.7514980.temp.prositehosting.co.uk/cheltenham-1st-stop/
Address: Cheltenham 1st Stop, 301 High Street, Cheltenham.
Cheltenham 1st Stop currently offers access to services including:
Housing Options
Gloucestershire Advocacy Service
Cheltenham Benefits Advice and Financial Inclusion Service
Education, Training and Employment
Information, Advice and Guidance
Family and Parenting Services
Free Time and Leisure Opportunities
Crisis Intervention services
Emergency Accommodation
CCP Foodshare emergency food parcels
CHELTENHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL OPTIONS TEAM
Tel: 01242 775168
Web:http://www.cheltborohomes.org/housing-advice/contact-housing-options-team/
Contact Housing Options Team
Our housing options team can help you find a suitable home for your needs or prevent you from losing your current home. There are many housing options available and the team will be able to discuss them with you. We can give you advice about whether you are homeless, at risk of homelessness or simply looking for help with your housing issue.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE OUT REACH TEAM- ST MUNGOS BROADWAY About St Mungo's
Tel: 0300 [phone redacted]
Web: http://www.mungos.org/how_you_can_help/make_a_donation
Our vision is that everyone has a place to call home and can fulfil their hopes and ambitions.
As a homelessness charity and housing association our clients are at the heart of what we do.
We provide a bed and support to more than 2,500 people a night who are either homeless or at risk, and work to end homelessness and rebuild lives.
We support men and women through more than 250 projects including:
Emergency, hostel and supportive housing projects
Advice services
Specialist physical and mental health services
Skills and work services
STREET LINK - If you are worried about a rough sleeper
Tel: 0300 5000914
Web: www.streetlink.org
Our community-based housing-related support service aims to improve the quality of people's lives, by promoting independent living and encouraging people to build on their existing strengths. This flexible service will also work with people who are in crisis, helping them to develop their own solutions by providing support and guidance to reduce the likelihood of crisis reoccurring. Support is provided in a range of community locations, where people work or live.
P3
Tel: 0800 [phone redacted]
Web: http://www.p3charity.org/gloucestershire-community-based-support
The service is available for adults in the following areas and can offer a wide range of support including:
Maximising benefits
Staying independent
Dealing with debts
Accessing community groups
Getting back into education and training
Getting in touch with other agencies
TRINITY GARAGE/ TRINITY HOUSE
Tel: 01242 808 789
Behind Trinity Church: Services: Hot Showers, clothing, food , provisions
OPEN DOOR
39 Grovesnor Street Cheltenham
Providing food and hot drinks, showers, TV, companionship and respect
YMCA Accommodation
Tel: 01242 533939.
Web: http://cheltenhamymca.com/accommodation/#
We provide supported, affordable, residential accommodation in the heart of Cheltenham.
For further information please email [email redacted],
Our brand new accommodation complex at our main Vittoria Walk site in the centre of Cheltenham offers:
Single rooms, each with its own en suite facilities, sharing a communal kitchen/dining area
Self-contained apartments (foyer accommodation) offered with the support of our housing team
In line with Cheltenham YMCA’s ethos, help and support is given to all our residents.
Home Group, a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £325m, is one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products.
Home Group, a social enterprise and a charity with a turnover of over £325m, is one of the UK’s largest providers of high quality housing and supported housing services and products. Founded in the North East by an Act of Parliament in the 1930s, our mission is: “to help our customers and clients to open doors to new opportunities and healthy lives”.
· We house over 120,000 people a year, managing 55,000 homes in over 200 local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales.
· Each year this includes working with almost 30,000 vulnerable people through 500+ supported housing, justice and health services.
· We are the UK’s largest provider of care and support services with 36 years’ experience.
· We have a turnover of £327 million and assets valued at £2.8 billion.
· 92% of our customers and 94% of our clients are satisfied with our services.
The Samaritans
Tel: 01242 515777
Web:http://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-cheltenham-and-district-branch
Finding a way to be yourself
Salvation Army
Tel: 01242 523412
Web: http://www.salvationarmycheltenham.co.uk/
If there is something troubling
We are a growing, vibrant church with a deep desire to actively demonstrate and communicate the love and power of Jesus Christ in our community. We believe that Christianity is more about ‘relationship’ than ‘religion’.
We would be pleased to serve you or welcome you into our church fellowship irrespective of your background or beliefs. Everybody is equally welcome and valued at The Salvation Army.
We meet for worship every Sunday at 10am - come just as you are; leave transformed!
PREVIOUS STORY
It's nearly 4am and I cannot sleep for worrying about a homeless man Moz I met last week.
He is in Cheltenham and has 2 dogs. The female gave birth to 8 puppies they are 10 days old.
Only 7 puppies now, as 1 sadly died. They are all sleeping rough in this weather. Their shelter is the back of a building, with some carefully draped plastic sheeting for cover and blankets, but that is it.
Moz and his friend John stick together, and are eligible for £590 a month emergency housing benefit from the council for accommodation.
Moz has had the mummy dog for 3 years and she is a red:brown Staff/Jack Russel mix, very pretty! The dad is a black Staff and has been with him for around 12 years.He loves his dogs, they have been through so much together they are Moz's family he won't part with his dogs, why should he?
The ideal situation would be a home for all of them until the puppies are old enough to leave their mum. They are super tiny and need warmth and care.
Moz says he has a masters degree in psychology, lost his family at 15, and has battled addiction and is nearly 3 years clean, he wants to be a youth worker,he writes music, plays the guitar and paint and decorates. He wants to work he just can't so earns money through begging and busking.
He has been beaten up many times in the last year and is currently on crutches.
He and John want a home, dignity, security, stability and a chance to work.
Please help with the any of the following. It's wet and freezing out there and these guys are the genuine beggars in Cheltenham, we all see them, so here is an opportunity to really help.
They desperately need:
1st A landlord to offer accommodation for 2 adults 2 dogs and 7 tiny puppies, the council will pay £590 a month When the puppies go to good homes it will be 2 adult males to be housed and 2 very well trained lovely dogs
2nd Money for food and to pay a landlord deposit and a couple of months rent so they can set up a new life
3rd Anything else substantial
4th A dog carrier or cage
5th Compassion
6th A paraffin heater, paraffin, camping stove and gas bottle and camping kettle would be brilliant for short term
Please share this post and inbox me if you have an empty place. If you want to donate cash please do. I anticipate £3000-£4000 would be enough to get these guys off the street and warm and ready to get jobs and food, but literally £3 would help right now.
Organizer
Gill Kirkham
Organizer
