Practical help for the homeless
@Auntylou (4264)
Oxford, England
November 16, 2015 10:07am CST
An organisation called Sheltersuits is making warm waterproof coats, with a zip on foot covering, from tents that have been abandoned at music festivals in Holland.
The suits are made by Syrian refugees who have tailoring skills in exchange for language classes and help with finding housing.
The Dutchman who first thought of this did so after a friend's father died while living on the streets.
While not a solution to the growing problem of homelessness, I think this is a great idea. Any thoughts?
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/abandoned-tents-recycled-waterproof-sleeping-bags-homeless-bas-timmer.html
35 people like this
30 responses
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
17 Nov 15
I always applaud anyone that does something useful and helpful for the less fortunate. So kudos to them! 
5 people like this
@destry (2572)
• Kirkwall, Scotland
16 Nov 15
I don't know about other countries, but in the UK there is not reason why anyone should be homeless for more than three nights. . . Well, there is a reason - because they choose to be homeless, or are incapable of accepting accommodation when it is offered to them, or have no right to be in the UK.
I have worked with these people, and people who want accommodation will be accommodated. Those who don't want through choice or by being in the country illegally don't have my sympathy.
5 people like this
@destry (2572)
• Kirkwall, Scotland
16 Nov 15
@Auntylou Then the homeless have the choice to move to where there are beds. Outreach workers will be able to provide transport to the shelters, if a person does not want to be accommodated in another town / city, then that is their personal choice to remain on the streets.
4 people like this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
20 Dec 15
agree. why not harness their practical skills.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160949)
• United States
17 Nov 15
In the US a young woman designed a coat that turns into a sleeping bag. When she made some and gave them away at least one of the homeless told her "We do not need sleeping bags, we need jobs" so now, at least according to facebook, homeless people can get jobs making these. Anything that gives people a chance to earn their place, like refugees doing the tailoring in your example, gives people a future.
4 people like this
@briggsy326 (120)
• Glasgow, Scotland
16 Nov 15
That is an awesome idea indeed. :)
5 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
17 Nov 15
great idea and they look quite comfortable - wouldn't mind having one for myself
4 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
14 Dec 15
It would be great if these could be sold or used to raise some monies to assist the homeless people. Another area would probably be to register them so that they can find simple jobs to contribute to the community which they are being housed in.
The fact is that they are like us who needs to be fed and housed, so there should be more assistance provided here.
1 person likes this
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
2 Jan 16
I completely agree, this is a great idea. They should bring this idea here. Instead they treat the homeless here as nothing.
1 person likes this
@ricki_911 (21625)
• Toronto, Ontario
2 Jan 16
@Auntylou I completely agree it is very sad.
1 person likes this
@cahaya1983 (11116)
• Malaysia
17 Nov 15
It's a small step but nevertheless a wonderful idea. Nice of that man to come up with this initiative.
3 people like this
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
22 Nov 15
what a brilliant idea 'n most beneficial fer all parties involved. nah, it doesn't keep folks from bein' homeless, but it gives 'em somethin' warm to wear, the folks makin' 'em a purpose, keeps those tents from windin' up in a landfill.
2 people like this
@Pattitude (1287)
• Newton, North Carolina
17 Nov 15
It is a wonderful idea, and such a constructive thing for the refugees to do!
3 people like this
