'Filthy rich and still clueless about hostels'

Homeless Link, the umbrella group for organisations working with and for homeless people, is today voicing its dismay at the inaccurate portrayal of homelessness facilities in the BBC3 programme ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ which concluded last night.

Homeless Link chief executive Jenny Edwards said:  “No one expects realism from a life-swap show like ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’. There is much to welcome about the BBC3 programme. Not only have five people from privileged backgrounds had their preconceived notions about homeless people shattered, but hopefully many viewers will share this enlightenment.

“Where the programme lets itself and the homelessness sector down is in its portrayal of hostels. Many viewers will be left with the impression that hostels and shelters are some sort of Victorian hell holes where vulnerable people are left to moulder. This completely fails to reflect the huge efforts made to transform traditional shelters into ‘places of change’ where people are given not just a roof and a meal, but training and support to keep them moving forward on their journey off the street and into independence. Some would say the results have been miraculous.

“It’s not as if the programme makers knew nothing about these beacons of success.  Not only did Homeless Link provide researchers for the show with numerous shining examples in London, but some featured in the finished programme.

“Were viewers (or the participants) given any idea that the facility visited by Thomas has a library, a gym and an arts programme? No, viewers simply learned that one night someone slashed their wrists. In Richmond, Darren wonders whether it is a good thing that former resident Dave keeps returning to the hostel. Did anyone bother to explain that cooking for the hostel is part of Dave’s training to qualify as a caterer? No.

“Let’s not pretend. There are still some dismal hostels and shelters in this country, but that is changing - with the welcome and active support of Communities and Local Government.

“Would seeing the life of a homeless person (rather than the attitudes of wealthy people) transformed make for good television? Perhaps the BBC should give audiences a chance to find out.”

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