Mitzi recently started working at Crisis. Last month she shared the story of an encounter she'd had on her way to her interview here. "Don't judge a book by its cover" may seem a worn-out sentiment to some but it's still valid. Those of us who are facing homelessness can appear in all shapes and forms. We all draw confidence from our appearence and need our support networks. So don't dismiss someone experiencing homelessness, for example because "they look too smart" or have a phone. That's their armour against the world and a vital tool to get their life back on track.
She said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The words were inked just below her collarbone. The night before, she’d had her phone stolen; the only connection to her support network. We talked about hostels, help, family and food. When I asked her, “What's next?” she replied, “Today, it’s all about the what now, not what's next.” What’s next only comes with a safe and stable home, and that felt beyond her reach. The day I met her happened to be the day of my interview. I was walking down a busy London street, and she said she liked my bobble hat. We chatted, and I told her that I was off to interview at a charity ending homelessness. I asked her what she’d say if she could grab people’s attention for a minute; without pausing, she said, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” As I start a new role at Crisis, as Head of Audiences, I remember the promise I made to her to pass the message on. I can only hope she followed through on her promise to search for the big red sign on Commercial Street and to stop by Crisis’ London Skylight. — Homelessness is not inevitable. With collective action and political will, we can end it once and for all. Come and join my growing team of audience champions: 📣 Audience Insight Manager. £55k | hybrid | flexible working. 📣 Planning & Propositions Manager. £55k | hybrid | flexible working. https://lnkd.in/eqaFs9aQ #jobs #vacancy #charity #homelessness [ 📷 permission given]
