Miracle Messages (reuniting homeless people with families)
Miracle Messages is a great idea from the USA, which we could emulate here in England, to help prevent homelessness. Founded by Kevin Adler, a social enterpreneur who is credited with helping to end homelessness across the USA.
It focuses on reuniting homeless people with long-lost relatives (if both parties wish for this to happen), often after years of being apart. So far it has reunited over 1000 homeless people with their families.
How does Miracle Messages work?
- A person who is feeling isolated by homelessness, records a short message to loved ones, with optional help from a local referral partner.
- A global network of volunteer ‘digital detectives’ get to work, attempting to deliver the message to loved ones, and reunite family members.
- Obviously this is only done if both parties are wishing to reunite.
Kevin’s workbook to help homeless people
Kevin’s workbook When We Walk By (co-written by an expert researcher on poverty) can be used by communities everywhere to help.
You’ll learn why people become homeless and find ‘how to help in 60 seconds’ quick actions to make a difference. You’ll also learn how relationships and connections are an important cog in the wheel to ending homelesness.
The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service
The Salvation Army Family Tracing Service has reunited thousands of families since 1885, having a 89% success rate.
How to help homeless people on the street
If you see someone sleeping rough, send a report to StreetLink, whose outreach teams visit rough sleepers at night. To help homeless people find benefits and accommodation (if the person is under 18, call 999).
How homeless people can help themselves
Homeless people can claim benefits, giving the address of a family member/friend, hostel or job centre. This helps to pay for food (and pet food), interview clothes and rent deposits.
People without bank accounts can use the government’s Payment Exception Service to collect benefits from a local post office or PayPoint outlet.
How to help homeless people with dogs
One great way to help is to have local shops use BillyChip, a token that can be given to homeless people, to pay for hot drinks or pets food. This complies with council advice not to give money, and helps also to prevent robbery.
Read more on how to help dogs with homeless people.
