Shomrim fundraise for homeless man who was attacked
Charedi neighbourhood watch group Shomrim are trying to help Chris Main after he had his artwork stolen and was assaulted
Patrick Maguire is a reporter at the Jewish News.
A homeless artist who fell victim to a series of cowardly attacks on the streets of East London has been handed a lifeline by Shomrim volunteers.
Rough sleeper and painter Chris Main, 44, had a suitcase full of artwork and a day’s worth of takings stolen by opportunist thieves outside Clapton Overground station last weekend.
The talented draughtsman, whose pictures are his sole source of income, has also been kicked in the head while sleeping alongside his dog and bottled in recent weeks.
He was comforted by volunteers from North East London Shomrim in the aftermath of the cowardly attacks – and the organisation has now set up a special fund in an attempt to help him get back on his feet.
Paying tribute to Main’s artistic talents, Shomrim’s Ben Beigel said: “Life is not easy for Chris.
“He is currently trying to find a permanent home, which is proving difficult. He’s been told he’ll be in sheltered accommodation in “a week or two.”
He went on to encourage members of the local community, who have bought Main food since news of his predicament emerged, to invest in his artwork.
He said: “Chris is a very talented drawing artist, I would encourage locals to purchase some of his art pieces, which he draws all day.”
The Shomrim fund can be found here: gofundme.com/HELPCHRISANDHISDOG
More than £2,500 raised to #HelpChrisAndHisDog after theft of his belongings. Please Retweet https://t.co/MMD1KKbC1S pic.twitter.com/nHojXmGjYL
— Shomrim (Stamford Hill) (@Shomrim) September 28, 2016
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