What is it like to be homeless: life on the streets

Image by Jim Fischer (Flickr)

A warm, comfy bed, clean clothes and the feeling of a full stomach.

This is a fantasy of luxury for Harry Smith*. Instead, he wakes up every day into a nightmare. He can hear the water drip from the pipes and feel the wind shivering down his spine. He sits, he waits, but it's all for nothing.

Most 25 year-olds have their own place, a partner, a secure career and a future ahead of them. Harry doesn't have that. He doesn't have a house, he doesn't have a partner, a job or even somewhere to stay. Harry is 25, homeless and an ex-drug dealer.

Harry moved out of his house nine months ago and hasn't gone back or seen his parents since. “I got kicked out because I used to steal from my mum and step-dad. It was the only way to make a few bob. If I couldn’t find money, I’d just sell small stuff like antiques at a second-hand store.

“I needed money if I wanted to do things. I wanted to go out every week like my mates, and I didn't want to be stuck in with my step-dad. We never saw eye-to-eye due to the fact he's an abusive alcoholic. Mum was on his side so I stopped getting along with her too. I stopped caring, especially about him.”

When living with his parents, Harry saw how easy it was to make money from drug dealing. “A few of my mates sold the odd ounce so they knew someone I could buy big bits off.” he said. “If I bought my ounce for £180 I could make £100 profit, but prices went up so normally I'd pay £220 for my ounce and then I'd make £60 in a week.”

Harry stopped drug-dealing two months after leaving his parents' house and becoming homeless. He couldn't afford to buy the substances in a large supply anymore, as money became tight. “I needed money for food and I'd have nowhere to stash the weed. I couldn't exactly take it round my mates house or hide it in a bush.”

However, Harry has been stopped by the police and searched for possession of drugs. He said “I get searched more on the streets. The police target you and I've been street-cautioned. They searched me and I got a slap on the wrist. Luckily I had just dropped off [the drugs] so I didn't have enough on me to get arrested so they couldn't prove I was supplying.”

Norfolk Police are aiming to reduce the number of rough sleepers and beggars to ensure the safety for other members of the public. They are working with local authorities such as Norwich City Council and Broadland District Council to try and set up and improve shelters.

Anne Campbell, Norfolk Constabulary's spokesperson, said: “It can lead to anti-social behaviour. High levels of homelessness are linked with high levels of crime. We want to ensure the city is at its safest.”

“I don't see myself as a threat” said Harry. “People should try being in my shoes. Everyone makes mistakes and I was unlucky. I wouldn't steal or take drugs if I wasn't desperate.”

Harry smokes cannabis because he believes it makes him feel better in his situation. “When you're out on the streets you feel like you've lost everything already. I sit here and think 'what am I doing' and I panic, so when I can, I'll have a joint and it calms me.

“I used to have depression and anxiety. I was diagnosed with both when I was 18. I don't know if I still have it, but I'm guessing anyone in my situation would be depressed.”

If he can't stay at a friend's house, Harry is forced to stay out on the streets and find shelter wherever possible.

He doesn't have a set spot on the street. He said: “Do you think sleeping on the streets is safe? There’s some nasty people out there.”

There has been a 42% increase in the number of people sleeping rough since 2009, and rough sleeping counts are estimated over 1,700 in England alone, with the majority of cases in London.

StreetLink aims to reduce this amount by enabling members of the public to report rough sleepers. Funded by the government, they connect rough sleepers to local services and offer support, help and places to stay.

Harry said: “I've been to a homeless shelter a couple of times but they're too busy. There are too many people and not enough space or food.”

One of the local services StreetLink refer rough sleepers to is YMCA Norfolk.

YMCA are a global charity committed to helping young people, aged 16-24, in crisis.

Chief Executive Tim Sweeting said: “This may be due to homelessness, domestic violence or family issues. We help them get back into education or work.”

On March 1, the YMCA will host a “Sleep Easy” night at Trowse Sports Centre, Norwich. Mr Sweeting said: “It’s a great way to raise awareness and raise money as we are unable to help every person who approaches us. By raising money we can build more accommodation facilities and youth clubs to reach more people.”

Members will stay outside for the night, experiencing what the homeless, like Harry, experience almost every night.

Gareth Thomas, StreetLink's Information Manager, said: “Since launching in December 2012, we've had over 14,000 reports of rough sleepers made through StreetLink.

“There is no main reason for homelessness. Many people's experiences of homelessness are out of view in derelict buildings, squats or sofa surfing. Rough sleeping is the most visible, sharp end of homelessness. These sleepers may be seen in shop or office doorways, in bus shelters or other public places. Often they are out of sight, bedding down at different times of day or night, moving from place to place.”

StreetLink encourage the public to report rough sleeping on 0300 500 0914 or through their website www.streetlink.org.uk.

Finally, I asked Harry “What are your plans for the future?” He looks at me, laughs and said “What future?”


*This name has been changed for confidential purposes and at the request of the interviewee.