Section A
1) a) i) Almost any kind of person can find themselves homeless, however there are undoubtedly some groups for whom homelessness is a more likely scenario.
Many homeless people are single or childless couples, who are not entitled to housing provided by social security. they may be sleeping rough, squatting, on a friend's floor or just in sub-standard accommodation. Their is a definite gender divide, with some 90% og the homeless being male. They often turn to alcohol or drugs for solace, with up to half drinking heavily and 15% dependant on non-prescribed drugs. Another important group is the mentally ill, comprising about one third of the total. The young are no safer either, some 25% of the homeless being under 25. the problems are worst in inner cities, especially London..
ii) In the 1980s, there was a movement to close down sub-standard accommodation , following public outcry over so-called "doss houses". This plan backfired, however, as not enough hostels were built to replace them and homelessness grew significantly. The Government responded in 1990 by launching a three year programme, the Rough Sleepers initiative (RSI) to fund projects, shelters, workers and permanent accommodation. The Department of Health launched the Homeless Mentally Ill Initiative for high care hostels. The RSI has certainly had a positive impact, with the number of rough sleepers in central London falling to around 270 a night. RSI was renewed in 1993 and then again three years later, such was its success. Money is now also available for the homeless outside London.
b) i) Orwell uses a convincing argument to show that tramps are not "dangerous characters". If they were dangerous, he says, they would be treated as such. In one of the "casual wards" (shelters for tramps), a hundred tramps or more were easily controlled by two or three porters. If tramps were "dangerous" ruffians, the porters would not have a chance - but as it is, the tramps are happy to be ordered around. There is no truth either, claims Orwell, in the belief that tramps are drunkards. He dismisses this as ridiculous how would they afford it, or even get access to alcohol? Orwell also stresses that tramps are not parasites - merely englishmen out of work. They are ordinary human beings forced to live in this way by personal circumstances.
ii) Orwell is clearly aware of and troubled by the problem of the tramps‘ poor diet . Even if they can get something from a 'casual ward', it is barely enough to satisfy them - in fact is is probably not even meant to. Malnutrition, therefore, is very much a part of tramps' existence. Their second problem is their lack of contact with women. Orwell quotes some figures showing that male tramps outnumber female by about ten to one. Orwell, perhaps rather chauvinistically, claims this is because unemployment doesn't affect women as much and they can always get married off. Finally, Orwell thinks it is unfair that tramps have nothing to do - they are either walking from place to place, waiting for the shelter to open or in prison. How can these lives be described as such?
c) In Item 1, the writer John Crace is trying to present a balanced argument about homelessness. He does not try to put across his own opinion, leaving that to the readers of the newspaper. In Item 2, by contrast Orwell is trying to persuade people about his views on tramps and that many widely-held beliefs about tramps are in fact wrong. His book is also aimed at a relatively intelligent discerning readership.
Item 1 is clearly a newspaper article. A banner headline in reverse colours introduces the theme followed by the headline itself in a bold typeface. A sub-heading introduces the specific topic and the writer. The text itself is in three widely-spaced columns, split into quite short paragraphs. Bold headings help draw the readers' eyes to different parts of the article. Orwell's extract is set out entirely differently, in continuous prose. He uses long indented paragraphs in a simple clear layout. The quotation he uses stands out from the rest to show it is quoted and not his own work. He chooses to use a footnote to 'annotate' the quotation.
It is in their use of language that the two items differ more significantly. the first item is more modern, written in around 1996, while Orwell was writing in around 1933. The modern article uses more 'politically correct' language at times, such as "sub-standard","childless couples","mentally ill" and so on. Orwell was not afraid to refer to "tramps", "ruffians" and "vagabonds". It is not that Orwell was writing to a lower-brow audience in any way, however. His language is in fact probably the more complex of the two, and his ideas and arguments are cogent and well-reasoned. Orwell also makes very clear that what he writes is his own personal opinion, while the Guardian article tries only to support the facts. The article also uses many statistics to back up its points, which Orwell has done in a smaller way in his article - but only when it suits him! Orwell's tone is more 'conversational' than the article, and, although he condemns some of the popular pre-conceptions about tramps, he thinks nothing of using other preconceptions to make his own points. Take his point about parasites. Orwell uses the stereo-typical view of a red-blooded Englishman to try and show that the stereo-typical view of a tramps is wrong. This is perhaps less convincing today than it might have been in 1933.
The newspaper article seems reasonably successful in getting its message across, giving a great number of facts in a relatively small space. However, I would not describe the article as particularly memorable, and the 'slant it takes in not particularly different or original. As I have mentioned before, Orwell's arguments would probably have hit harder back in the 1930s, and some of the terms he used now seem a little dated. Though 90% of the homeless are still male, Orwell's ideas about women no longer really apply. Notwithstanding this, the fact that even some of his arguments are even slightly relevant to a modern-day audience show that the problems of homelessness have really changed very little in the last six decades.
Section B
4) Fundraising for Christmas (by 'Helping the Homeless')
As Christmas time rolls around once more, it is an ideal time to be thinking of fundraising for Helping the Homeless. As Christmas Eve approaches, people will be looking fore presents for their loved ones, and the festive spirit means people are often particularly generous at this tome of year. There are many types of events - sponsored walks, charity tombolas, quiz nights and so on. One particularly popular type of event is a Charity Auction.
What is a charity auction?
Local businesses and organisations donate prizes for the auction. People then bid for the items, with the highest bidder taking each lot. All the money raised goes directly to charity, so the event is a sure moneyspinner.
What planning is required?
You will have to start planning your event at least two months in advance. the first thing that must be done is the appeal for prizes. Look through local newspaper, the Yellow Pages or Thompson Directory for names and addresses of suitable businesses and organisations. the biggest organisations are often the most generous. Your letters should use polite language, and address the recipient as 'Sir/madam'. Stress that all profits are going to charity, and that the company's name will be printed in the auction catalogue. Expect only about one in five letters to yield a response, and don't be disappointed if you get less than you were hoping for. Aim for about 25-50 lots. You will also need an auctioneer. If you are lucky, you may be able to persuade a minor 'celebrity' to be your auctioneer. Try your local MP or football team, if the event is large enough. Local radio presenters often have the right 'style' and are willing to help. Having a good auctioneer will make the evening a lot more fun.
Importantly, you must decide on a time and venue for the auction. Make it in the evening, when people are home from work and check it doesn't clash with other major events. Good venues include community centres or schools. Hire the venue well in advance!
Finally, and most importantly, you must advertise the event. Hand out leaflets, pin up posters and ask shops if you can put a notice in their windows. If the event is to be a large one, you could put an advertisement in the local newspaper or even on local radio. The auction catalogue will also have to be produced - find someone who is good at working computers, to design one. Make sure that the name of whoever donated each item is clearly shown. Careful planning will ensure that everything goes right on the night.
On the Night!
Now the day has finally arrived, don't panic. if you have prepared well, the evening should run smoothly. Arrive at the venue early to set everything up. You will need people on the doors, to show people to their seats, to hold up each of the lots, and to record who buys each item. Make sure any toilets are unlocked and well-signposted. Greet people as they arrive and give them a catalogue. try also to start on time and don't over-run. Most importantly, stay relaxed and try to enjoy it!
Afterwards - what still needs to be done?
A short speech at the end to thank the auctioneer and helpers will ensure they receive a round of applause. Make sure all exits are open to avoid a crush at the doors. Once everyone has left, clear up any litter etc. that has been dropped and ensure that the money is in a secure box. Pay it into a bank as soon as you can!
It is also important to thank the businesses who donated them. Write them a letter, thanking them and informing them of the total amount raised. A little courtesy will be appreciated, and they well may help you in the future.
Money should be sent as a cheque made payable to HHA to: Helping the Homeless Appeal, David Smith House, Brindley Road, London, W3 8SN.
If all this sounds like too much hard work, don't despair - it's not as bad as it looks. Holding an auction should be fun and enjoyable for you, as well as being a great way of raising money for those in need.
Matthew Mayer
(HTH Director)