‘These usually place a totally skewed emphasis on the use of alcohol and drugs amongst those living on the streets. We are told most are criminals and lazy, and that it’s not fixable.’ Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
This is the first part of a two-part column looking at the stereotyping of the homeless.
We have internalised the often false preconceived ideas and myths that are often featured in the media or in political narratives.
These usually place a totally skewed emphasis on the use of alcohol and drugs amongst those living on the streets. We are told most are criminals and lazy, and that it’s not fixable.
I thought we should hear from homeless people themselves in their own words about what their lives are like. To tell their stories about how they ended up where they are and particularly about what their life is like every day.
For the past year, 10 of my previously homeless friends and colleagues have been busy with a count and assessment of people living on the streets of all of Cape Town's wards. They spoke and recorded interviews with over 11 000 people living on the streets of Cape Town.
The questions were difficult to put together at first. A lot of them were scrapped: it’s hard to ask people about one of the most difficult things in their life without coming across as patronising.
Instead, we focused on the day-to-day stuff. How long have you been homeless? What’s your biggest fear? What do you think of law enforcement? What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Here are some of the answers that represent the answers that were most prevalant and similar to a specific question.
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
“Off the drugs and have some sort of job. I would do any type of work. Peace of mind.”
Do you feel safe?
“No I feel very vulnerable.”
How do you think people who are not homeless view people who are homeless?
“They view us as dirt like we deserve it but it can happen to anyone.”
Why do you think people become homeless?
“Because of family problems and when my mom and dad died everything fell apart.”
What is the best thing that happened to you this week?
“Got food and money off passers-by whilst sleeping in a door way.”
What words or short sentences would you use to describe being homeless?
“Sad, wanting 2 die, you don’t feel any good, you can’t see hope and that’s what everyone needs just 2 feel good that’s all.”
What is the hardest thing about being homeless?
“Danger, rejection, It can get monotonous, you can’t plan ahead or be productive. Stressful”.
What is your biggest fear?
“My biggest fear is that I won’t be able to live in my own home ever. All the problems I have.
I just want to settle down and live a normal life. I don’t wanna be homeless ever again.”
How do you think people who are not homeless view people who are homeless?
“Rubbish, scum, piece of shit.”
What is the hardest thing about being homeless?
“Being in a shelter or safe space. I am not being ungrateful but sharing my life with total strangers is hard. There is no privacy and you get treated as if you have no brains”
Where would you like to be in a year’s time?
“Living in my new home. Health issues resolved. Plan an adventure. Create and implement plan to provide myself with financial security. Check in with counsellors if necessary. PS: Make a note to those who helped me during this time and say thanks to them”.
What does the word ‘home’ mean to you?
“Everything”
I am including my column for next week as well to prevent a repeat of the past two weeks:
I recently started a campaign called "Just say “Hello” “which is meant to motivate people to stop ignoring people living on the streets in their communities.
* Mesquita is a previously homeless man, and founder of Outsider an organisation focused on enlightening people on homelessness and accommodating those living on the streets in a dignified and sustainable manner.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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