Prayers Answered!
1385 Words
Monday, 20th February 2017 0945hrs
It took me about 5 minutes brisk walk to reach 56a Hans Crescent which was nearby to Elan Café.
The place at 56a looks like it used to be a kind of boutique or something before and was converted into a non-governmental organisation for non-profit purposes.
The glass front of the locale was covered with a drape to keep it away from prying eyes. I wondered how come the locale could be used as a shelter for the destitute since the property market there would plummet if they discovered there is such locale within their district.
However, I remembered that this is a virtual MMORPG – Popstars! So basically anything is possible here and I don’t think there would be any prices plummeting if there is such shelter in the business district here in Central London.
“Good day. My name is Matthew and I was referred by the coppers to come here if I am looking for a shelter. Is there anyone who would be able to guide me through? I just arrived here in the city and I sure need to learn the ropes.”
I approached someone with a lanyard over her neck and I assumed that she must be one of the volunteers working here. “Oh, hello there, Matthew.”
“Are you looking for a shelter, right now? We do have available beds but it is based on first come first served. For those who are unable to get a bed for the night, they would go to the games room and sleep on the floor instead. As long as they are sheltered from the wind and rain, I am sure it would be fine for them.”
“You mentioned that you had just arrived here in the city? Where are you from, Matthew?”
“Are you currently holding a job or something? We are looking for volunteers here to help around during their spare time. An hour or so would do fine, you know what I mean?”
“The volunteers assisted in preparing food and serving them hot to our clients here.”
I noticed on her lanyard that her name as Laura and she is sure long-winded! But at least she had provided me with all the information that I needed in a few breaths.
“I err…used to be here in Central London but seemed that everything had changed since I last came here.”
“I am looking for a shelter from 2 am to about 10 am the following day. I just got contracted and works a split shift from 11 am to 6 pm and then 7 pm to 1 am. I would have a break in between so my meals would not be an issue.”
“The only issue for me is sleeping matters. I just arrived here yesterday and I am really at a loss of where I should be doing or going since I am penniless. But I would be paid for my work yesterday and today as well.”
“I had informed the manager that I would take these 2 days salary which I think would be able to sustain me for about a week or so.”
“I could volunteer once I have enough rest? How about if I help to do housekeeping here once everyone wakes up?”
I offered the best answer that hoped would entice her to spare me a bed after 2 am. My body would not be able to hold out for long if I were to sleep rough and there would surely be adverse effects to the health one way or another.
“The shelter here operates till 7 am and once the clients wake up and do up their beds et cetera, they would leave shortly after breakfast. There would be no one here except for the volunteers after 8 am.”
“But we could make an exception for you once you sign up as a volunteer. At least you could have a rest after 2 am, then wake up at 7 am for breakfast, and help around with the shelter and do what we need to do.”
“You could stay here right before 11 am, just before you start work. Besides, you look like an ambitious guy. Why are you working split shifts? Are you looking for an apartment here? Its way too expensive over in this district, don’t you think so?”
“I am staying at a rental in Borough High Street. Everywhere the rental is not cheap Matthew. I had to get bed spacers mates to share a room or else I would be staying here in this shelter as well.”
I listened and I realised the situation here in this virtual world is the same back in the real world. When it comes to property market prices, one can expect a rental from £200-£250 per person for a bed spacer, or £400 for a small compact room with only a small window and would fit one single bed and a small side cupboard.
Other than that it would be £650 for a common room, £800 for a master bedroom with attached T&B, £900 master bedroom with aircon, heater and attached T&B.
That is considered cheap in the outskirts of town and would need at least some minutes walk and a long bus ride to the nearest train station. If we own a moped, then we could shave minutes walking and waiting for the bus and I estimated it would take about 30 minutes from Borough High Street to reach here in Knightsbridge Station from Jubilee Station!
“Alright, please do sign me up as a volunteer, Laura. I could get to work the moment I wake up since I would be here at 2 am. I try to be here quick since I knock off at 1 am and would stay awhile for supper.”
“By the way, Laura, do I need to pay the shelter anything? The copper told me I need to pay 3 quid to stay here.” I asked since I know there is no such thing as free lunch over here especially if it’s a non-profit organisation.
“Oh, if you’re volunteering then we do not charge you even though you may be working. But any kind of monetary contribution is greatly appreciated. Why don’t I sign you up for this program first to get you started?”
Laura handed me a form for me to fill up and I saw the clock in the shelter and it showed slightly 1015hrs. I filled up the necessary and left the rest blank since I would be using this shelter as a stepping stone until I could get better accommodation.
I handed the form back and she had a lanyard with my name on and passed it to me. A red colour polo shirt was also given to me and I was glad to have a change of clothes rather than wearing the same blue round neck t-shirt that had a big yellow smiley on it.
“Laura, is there a place where I can wash this shirt and hang it somewhere else?” I inquired since its been 2 days since I had been wearing this t-shirt and I kind of feel itchy already.
“Yes, you can wash in the restroom and hang it near the back alley for it to dry. Several clothes were washed by the clients here too. There are a few plastic hangers in the back if you need one.”
“At the meantime, since you are volunteering, you can choose any of the empty beds without the mattress at the back where our administration office is. We do not have any mattress to spare but if you don’t mind making do sleeping on the plyboard for the time being, then the bed is yours!”
Alas, a prayer had been answered and I am glad that at least I have a temporary permanent place to call home for the moment and I don’t have to spend the night sleeping rough from tonight onwards.
- Writer
