Please note this blog mentions drug use (no graphic descriptions).
In my first weeks of working at The Archer Project, I came across Sarah*. She had struggled for years with alcohol and substance misuse and was a familiar face in The Project. One morning I walked into reception to find her shouting and swearing and getting increasingly upset, after a few minutes her voice cracked, she began to cry and said, "I'm just so tired of sleeping outside in the cold."
Before working at The Archer Project I worked in the City Centre for almost 10 years, which meant I was no stranger to seeing people from all walks of life, trying to get some sleep in shop doorways, hiding under bus stops to keep dry and often being moved on from any place of safety they could find.
I would do what I could, offering to buy food for someone, buying a Big Issue from the vendor opposite my office. But there were often times I walked past head down or quickly crossed the road; maybe the person was shouting and seemed angry, maybe I was afraid of saying the wrong thing, maybe I had made my own preconceptions that the person didn't 'look' homeless.
Challenging preconceived ideas around homelessness and life on the street isn't easy. In fact, it's a key part of the work we do. It would’ve been easy in that initial moment with Sarah to make a snap judgement about her past, her 'choices' or even her personality. But in those snap judgements, the person behind the behaviour or actions isn't considered.
Think about how you feel after a poor night's sleep: you're tired, your mood is low, you're probably irritable at work and with your loved ones; but you get to go home and lock a door behind you, you get a full meal, and a warm bed. Now think of how you'd feel after a month of continuous broken sleep, not knowing where your bed will be that night, not knowing if you're safe, or if you'll get moved on just as you finally fall asleep. Now the anger feels justified, the sense of hopelessness is understandable, and you see the person behind the sleeping bag in the doorway.
"So what should I do when I see someone sleeping on the streets?" is something I'm asked often when people find out where I work.
Ultimately homelessness is a complex issue and won't be fixed by a sausage roll or a smile alone. I'm the first to admit I don't have all the answers and I know if you asked any of the staff at The Project they would say the same. But every day I'm learning, hearing stories, trying to meet people where they're at.
*Name changed to protect identity.
Written by Lucy Wilks, Events & Corporate Partnerships Officer at The Archer Project.
