'An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory'
I quite like this quote as although I understand that we need theories and discussion, it all means nothing without action.
On my Facebook page recently I posted an update about what Socks and Chocs was up to. Someone replied something to the effect of 'This is all very well giving socks, what we really need is houses'. I replied to them that you might just as well say "Let's not have homelessness".
I wish it were that simple.
Some people don't want to live in a house at all, others get given accommodation and then can't deal with sitting in the flat on their own. What do you do when you are away from home on business living in a hotel?
Once the day's business is finished do you go and sit in your room alone or do you seek the company of others in the bar? I'm just asking! If you don't sit in your room alone every night then why should a previously homeless person do so. They have social needs too.
Yes houses are one part of the issue but not all.
Anyway, the point I am making is that the homeless issue is massive and if we put it in the 'too difficult box' we won't do anything about it. Most people get overwhelmed when the problem is too big, they freeze and seem almost paralysed into doing nothing.
Socks and Chocs aims to show that you can always do something.
I don't know about you but people are always really keen to share items on Facebook when they feel strongly about an issue. People are happy to comment online, but not many out these words into actions and actually do something.
All the talking in the world accomplishes nothing, and as Friedrich Engels said: "An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory."
So come on - what can you do?
Visit the Socks and Chocs website for some great ideas to help people where you live because lots of people doing a little is better than a few doing a lot.
You can also follow our activities on Twitter @buskingbobby.
