Sir – As the councillor originally in charge of homelessness policy when the new homeless centre at the OFS was proposed, I was dismayed to read your coverage of the project. The centre is not solely for arts and creative opportunities — although that will form some of the activities on offer.
One of the main thrusts of Crisis Skylight’s work will be the social enterprise café offering employment, training and skills. The whole point of the centre is to help the homeless back into mainstream society in a number of ways, yet your article treats them as completely marginal to the process.
Ironically it is that marginalisation of homelessness that has left so many people stuck on our streets, left to rot by a society that simply doesn't give a damn.
I know from my own experience when I was homeless ten years ago just how difficult it is to turn your life around.
People need help to do this, and when we have such a fantastic oppportunity to make a differe nce to some of the most vulnerable in our society we should grab it with both hands.
Patrick Murray, Lib Dem councillor, Barton and Sandhills Ward, Oxford
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