Why should you speak to the homeless community?

Photograph of Aldgate

Homelessness statistics show a 37% increase in rough sleepers in London, compared to 7% across the rest of England. Most young people and men, who are homeless, have been kicked out by parents and for women the most common cause is domestic violence. There are a number of other reasons why people are homeless, they may be mentally ill, have lost their job, or have become alcohol dependant or even lost someone close to them. What all homeless people do have in common is, they had no support from family or friends when their crisis struck.

Rough Sleeping | Create infographics

Firstly, giving money to the homeless won’t help. As you are probably aware, most homeless people are unstable and when you give anyone money, you don’t know what they’re going to spend it on. What homeless people need is food, water, shelter and someone who cares. They need advice.

“Even when you’re middle-aged, family is a big sector of your life” explains Michael in his early 40s, who’s been sleeping rough for seven years. “It’s not just about your upbringing; your family has got to be there always.” Michael and his partner Danika, are a couple who can be found outside of Aldgate East station. Their current spot is one of the only places they can stay without being kicked out, says Michael.

Michael and Danika outside Aldgate East.

“I get embarrassed by how tourists and people walk past and look at me. I think ‘you know nothing about me’. That’s one of the reasons I get ‘off my face’, to make myself feel less embarrassed” says Michael. This is Michael and Danikas life; people walk past and are scared to talk to them. People live in fear because they don’t understand why or how they got there.

The Homelessness Act 2002 was put in place for local authorities to re-house certain homeless people. However, not everyone who’s classed as being “homeless” will qualify for accommodation. Like housing, pregnant women or women with children are at the top of the list, because of course they’re a priority. But what happens to the people who don’t even cut the list?

“People think ’why are you here like this?’, but most people have no idea because they've never had to live it” says Danika. So the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, as you don’t know what that individual has gone through. Speaking to a homeless person or anyone in need could really help. They need someone to talk to, because that’s what they really needed before they became homeless. Sit and listen for five minutes and your mind will be opened.