Direct action on the Brighton Homeless issue.

The causes of Homelessness are complex issues with multiple hidden currents. SmarterUK will, therefore, focus on deliverable, low-cost support.

1. Empty Commercial spaces.

SmarterUK will introduce tax breaks for businesses to encourage them to allow empty commercial sales to be used for a shorter period (6 months) to create homeless shelters operated by Shelter or other such charities.

• Moveable furnishings. Charities like Shelter already have relationships with large businesses that donate furniture to create liveable spaces.
• Emergency weather focus. Spaces must be available for emergency weather situations, e.g. ultra-cold winter nights.
• Provision of registered addresses.

Homeless people require a postal address they can easily access to apply for jobs and register for UK banking. SmarterUK will make providing this a priority to assist those who want to return to mainstream society in doing so more easily.

• Easy “Contactless” donations, only for food and shelter.

Our research shows that the UK public would donate more to homeless people if they were guaranteed that any donation would not go to drug or alcohol purchases. Contactless technology to leave “tips” is now increasingly common, and we would deploy similar technology and major foot traffic areas such as Brighton station to encourage donations to this worthy cause.

• Mental Health support.

Men’s Health issues are not the only cause of Homelessness, but providing easy-to-access medical and mental health assistance is also a propriety after the provision of food and shelter.

• Local business engagement.

Access to work and an income is a key hurdle for homeless people. SmarterUK will work with local businesses to create jobs and provide re-skilling training courses.