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Outside In: "Sometimes You Just Can't Pay Rent"
Other | Wednesday 16th March 2016 | Sabrin
We ventured outside in search for a homeless person to talk with them and gain one person’s insight of what living on the streets in the London cold is really like. As we walked around, we couldn’t find anyone to talk to which was a good thing - I was expecting to come across many. We asked some of the local shopkeepers if they knew of any nearby roads where they’ve walked past a homeless person and with each person we asked, we were met with disinterest and disapproving looks. Nobody seemed to care much.
We walked quite a way from Aldgate and saw a man in his late 40’s perhaps, curled up in old blanket which we could only assume he’s had forever. He had a paper cup in front of him which was practically empty with only a few coins inside. We put whatever change we had in our pockets into the cup and he thanked us. “God bless you”, he said.
After smiles and hello's, we asked if he would mind if we sat with him for a moment. He looked confused but said okay. We explained that Guestlist are trying to raise awareness for homelessness in London and that if he was okay with it, we would like to talk with him for a while. Still confused and now taken aback, he said okay. He didn’t ask for anything in return. We offered to buy him lunch.
I'd like to buy you lunch for your time, what would you like?
That’s nice of you but I think the shops are a bit of a walk away
Oh, a little walk won’t hurt me. I insist.
I’d love a sandwich with some bacon and cheese or something like that? Or a coffee
I walked down to Starbucks and bought a sandwich and a coffee and hurried back. He thanked me continuously
This is very, very nice of you young lady. Very nice. Thank you and god bless you”
“You’re so welcome. I just want to thank you again for agreeing to speak with me” I said.
“I’m not going anywhere am I?” (laughing)
Tell me, how long have you been homeless?
It's been almost three years.
Would you tell me how you became homeless?
I was living in a shoddy little flat and earned hardly anything. I couldn’t pay my rent and I got evicted.
Did you have much notice or did you have to leave instantly?
It happened before where I couldn’t pay my rent and the landlord had enough of it I think. So the last time, I was kicked out straight away. Only had a bag really but it’s not like I had lots of things to take
Did you reach out to anyone when you got evicted? Any friends or family?
I don’t have family here, just a brother. I never liked him anyway
So what did you do?
I had a mate, he didn’t live too far from me. Well not a mate. But I knew him. He let me sleep on his sofa for a while
How long was a while?
Couple of weeks. But I couldn’t stay there for long because his missus was coming back from somewhere, don’t remember where. So I had to leave. I went to a park and slept there, thinking about what to do. I always remember it, I saw a bloke that was homeless too, he shared his beer with me. It was only meant to be temporary but I didn't’ know have anywhere or anyone so I found a spot and I called it my own.
I’m so sorry that you experienced all of this
Yeah, so am I. But it’s life isn’t it
Do you feel safe on the streets?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I can take of myself, have been doing so for years now.
Do you get much sleep?
Uh, here and there. You end up sleeping for a couple of hours at a time at random times in the day and night. I got this blanket now. You got any fags?
I do, yeah. Here, roll however many you like
Thanks love
No worries. Why do you think people become homeless?
All sorts. Some people are alcoholics or addicted to drugs and some people gamble everything away. But sometimes, you just can’t pay rent.
So would you say that people make assumptions about homeless people in thinking that they’re all alcoholics, or drug and gambling addicts?
Oh yeah. There’s a reason homeless people are alcoholics. It’s because life is fucking shit ain’t it? Well when you’re out on the streets and cold it is. You lot drink most days cause life is shit don’t you? We’re all doing the same bloody thing.
I suppose you’re right. I guess no one ever thinks of it that way. I know that it doesn’t make things much better but I do want to help hopeless people as much as one person can. What’s the nicest thing that someone walking past could do for you?
What you’re doing right now. Haven’t had a proper conversation in ages I was almost forgetting to talk. Sometimes even just someone saying good morning makes me feel a bit better. It’s like being invisible even though it’s so crowded. It’s shit when you feel like no one can see you.
I understand. Have you been in this corner for long?
Nah, a few weeks. I was a few streets away but the police told me to move. They said I couldn’t sleep there and they said it was for my safety. Load of bollocks isn’t it.
I suppose they might be spots that they don’t think would be safe, but I can see why that seems like bullshit. Do you find yourself moving often?
Sometimes you’re good for a few months but I think people complain, I don’t know. I’ve moved a few times, yeah. I stayed in one place for six months once, was starting to call it home.
What would home mean for you?
Just somewhere warm.
Not family or anything like that?
People come and go don’t they? Just somewhere that’s warm and where I can sleep and no one can tell me to get out ‘cause I’ll have enough money to pay rent.
I’m really glad that I spoke with you.. I’ve got more of an insight than I did before and I hope I can help to raise awareness to improve living conditions like yours..
You come find me if you do
Enjoy your lunch and I hope you have a nice day
You too”
Support UK Homelessness by purchasing your copy of 'The Big Issue' next time you see someone selling it on the corner of your street.
