Peter McVerry: say hello to homeless people, treat them as human beings

Social justice advocate Fr Peter McVerry has called for rent control to prevent the "next wave of homelessness".

Speaking in Cork at the Kinsale Peace Project, Fr McVerry noted a growing sense of compassion for homeless people, but said people felt powerless as how to help.

The issue was a political problem, Fr McVerry said, but ordinary people could make a difference by recognising the humanity of those living on the streets.

“I think there is a growing compassion for homeless people. But there is a huge sense of powerlessness about dealing with issues like that. What may look like self-centredness is actually a sense of powerlessness.”

Should passers-by give money to the homeless? Fr McVerry said there was no definitive right answer, but people prompted to action by compassion for those on the streets should first acknowledge their human dignity.

“Should you give money to people who are begging? There’s something you can do that is more important than giving money. You can say hello. Imagine sitting there watching thousands passing by as if you were invisible, as if you were a non-person. Say hello, treat them as humans.”

Rent controls

He said rent control to prevent landlords increasing rents exorbitantly were required, while the country was facing more repossessions due to mortgage arrears.

“Until the problem of the private rental sector is addressed we will have a continuous flow into homelessness. There’s no other answer. The Minister has done some good things, but he hasn’t done anything about the private rental sector. It’s the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.”

Arrears

He said an additional 40,000 households in mortgage arrears of more than two years were in danger of repossession. “We have huge problems ahead. We have a flood of homelessness coming down the road.”

Fr McVerry said his 40 years’ work with vulnerable and homeless people had taught him not to judge, but to appreciate all his blessings.

“They have totally and radically changed me, challenged my values, changed my relationship with God, my views of Irish society, they have done everything for me.”