Imagine having dinner with a troubled teenager you've never met. That teenager is homeless and the meal is at your dining table, after which he or she turns in for the night – in your spare room. Unlikely? Not for one Jewish family in north London.
Since January, Noga Applebaum and her husband Ariel Kahn have been hosting young homeless people in their terraced house. For 10 days each month, the couple are on call to provide emergency accommodation for 16- to 25-year-olds with nowhere else to go.
They are among the growing number of volunteers at Depaul Nightstop UK which offers short-term shelter for vulnerable people. Each year, around 80,000 young people experience homelessness in the UK. Organisations like Depaul Nightstop come to their aid, while seeking a longer term solution. They are referred by a range of recognised agencies and it is up to Nightstop to provide the interim lodgings.
Dr Applebaum, an Israeli-born writer and academic, explains: "It's only ever meant to be temporary. It might be about getting them some more permanent accommodation or reconciling a family situation. Most of these people just want to get back on their feet." Concerns for personal safety and property prevent many people from volunteering in this way, but Dr Applebaum says the charity allays such fears. "You go through an extremely rigorous process before you can host," says the mother-of-two.
The family completed a lengthy application procedure, underwent full training and were police checked. There were two home visits and even discussions with their children. "The kids completely get it," says Dr Applebaum. "We don't hide things from them. We are quite socially minded so they are constantly reminded that there are people out there who are less fortunate than they are. Our youngest loves the guests and always asks loads of questions which breaks the ice. His older brother is a bit shy, but also tries to connect."
‘All these people want is a chance'
The process works both ways, so prospective guests are also screened. "Nightstop won't just take up any case," says Dr Applebaum. "You'll never get someone with a serious drug problem, mental illness or criminal record. In that sense, you feel completely safe. I was really relieved by how vigilant Nightstop is. It's not just about protecting us, but also the young people they have a responsibility to.
"We don't leave valuables lying around. It's not that they think about stealing, but these people are often in dire straits so it's best not to put temptation in their way."
The charity operates around the host's availability, which works well for an observant Jewish family like Dr Applebaum's.
"We're on call for around 10 days each month, but never on Shabbat."
She adds: "They text that morning asking if I'm still available and from what time. I usually say from around 5.30pm so they can join us for dinner. I think it helps the guest, but it is also important for the children. I want them to appreciate what they've got and have compassion for others."
The charity provides both host and guest with minimal information about each other. The stereotype of a homeless person is someone dirty, drunk, on drugs or with psychotic issues. This experience helps you to demystify that."
The family have so far hosted more than 10 guests, some on more than one occasion. Among them were an A-level student thrown out by his family, an au pair stranded in London and an African migrant who survived the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, only to fall foul of the British asylum system.
"Some will tell us their life story and some don't talk at all. I leave it to them," says Dr Applebaum.
"Overall, they are just appreciative and touched that someone cares enough to give their time and space up. We usually ask if they want to sit with us after dinner, but mostly they just want to sleep. Sleeping rough or on a night bus is exhausting."
Hosts set their own rules and Dr Applebaum generally asks guests to leave by 9am the following morning. This is never a problem, she says, as most have work, studies or a crucial appointment to get to. According to Nightstop, volunteers like Dr Applebaum and Dr Kahn are invaluable – but sadly they are few and far between. In London, there are just 65 hosts - among them young families, retired couples and single professionals.
Dr Applebaum hopes her experience will inspire others within the Jewish community to volunteer.
"From a Jewish philosophical and ethical perspective, reaching out to the homeless is in the Bible and our consciousness as we are a close-knit and caring community," she says.
"We are often the first Jewish family that these people will have met. It's about us giving something to the wider community, but also about them learning from us."
The reward, according to Dr Applebaum, is immense. She says: "Being homeless involves a lot of stress and shame. All these people want is a chance.
"People think it's such a massive thing, but it isn't. You give so little and they get so much. It doesn't disrupt my life in any way. I decide when it's convenient and am never put in an awkward position.
"You might think that we're brave to host them, but they're braver for even knocking on our door.
