We are not all the same

First name

Steve

How long have you been without housing?

This time around it has been two months. The first time I lived on the streets, I was 19.

Do you feel safe?

Right now I do. I am set up (outside) in one spot and no one bothers me. I like having a stable place to stay and being on my own. When you stay in the camps, you never know what’s going to happen or if your stuff will get stolen.

It’s pretty scary not having a place to stay.

How do you think people who are not experiencing homelessness view those who are?

Most people here have been pretty positive. They will stop and give you $5-$10 to buy something to eat. Someone actually dropped off a new sleeping bag, blanket and winter socks. I still don’t know who it was. The stigma is definitely there though. Some people will walk out wider when they pass you on the street and shy away. It starts to bother you. It’s not a good feeling.

What are some of the reasons why people experience homelessness?

Some people are homeless because of drug use. Once they get on it, it’s all they want. Others are kicked out of their housing by family members or divorce. That’s what happened to me.

What is the best thing that happened to you this week?

(Community Partners for Success) are having their Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, so that’s pretty good. The other day, one of their staff thought it was my birthday and brought me in a cupcake.

It was also nice to get the sleeping bag and socks. That surprised me.

Where would you like to be in a year’s time?

I would like to have my own place and a feeling of security. Knowing that I have a place I can go back to, where my stuff won’t get stolen.

What is the hardest thing about experiencing homelessness?

Your daily routine becomes quite different. It becomes about staying warm, having something to eat and a dry place to sleep. Your main focus is daily survival.

Besides housing, what is missing in our community right now to support people experiencing homelessness?

Weekend meal programs. If you don’t have money for food, you struggle.

What else would you like people to know?

(People experiencing homelessness) are not all the same. We are not all drug users or alcoholics. Some of us are just straight up without housing.