Nidar and Frida help homeless people in Kristianstad
In the middle of October they started the project to collect clothes, which they hang on a rail on Östra Storgatan, not far from Sommarro.
”You can bring along warm food and warm clothes”Nidar Ahmedi
They put out an appeal on Facebook.This made people in the town donate everything from quilts to warm jackets, mitts and headgear.
The idea came from a project in Malmö, where they have several rails under the name of 'Help a homeless person'.
”I like to think that people want to help, but perhaps don't quite know how to go about it”Nidar Ahmedi
Nidar Amedi wanted to do something similar in Kristianstad. She has previously supported people in a difficult social situation.
– I like to think that people want to help, but perhaps don't quite know how to go about it. A lot of people might not dare to approach a homeless person, but they are just ordinary people who have landed in a difficult situation, says Nidar Amedi.
”The homeless people are delighted”Frida Johnsson
– The homeless people are delighted, for the community has not given them much help, says Frida Johnsson.
Together they have started a Facebook group ”Side by Side with Us (homeless & pensioners ) in Kristianstad to encourage others to get involved. At the time of writing there are more than 500 members, and the group is growing steadily.
In a few days several carrier bags of clothes have been collected, and at the same time the number of clothes rails had grown.
People have handed out soup. One couple even offered to let one of the homeless people in town live in their caravan.
Now the two of them are hoping to get access to a place where they can store the clothes.
What can I do to help?
– You can bring along warm food and warm clothes.There is a night shelter, place where they can stay, but it has only room for twelve people.
– Sleeping rough is cold. A roof for the homeless people to sleep under would be good. And another good thing would be if local shops donated food instead of throwing it away, says Nidar Ahmedi.
Skåne Stadsmission also hands out clothes to homeless people, both at the night hostel and at Café David. There they can also get help to have a shower and have breakfast. You can also donate clothes there.
