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Homeslessness in our capital: Visan's story

Homelessness is an ever-growing problem in the UK, one that has existed in society for centuries. Every year an increasing amount of people are displaced and many of those head towards London. Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the rate of rough sleepers has surged, in a report from streetsoflondon.org more than 10,000 people have slept rough over the last year in our capital resulting in a rising number of lives being put at risk daily. Having somewhere to call home is something that most of us take for granted, making it a challenge to relate to the lives of rough sleepers.

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The term ‘homeless’ has become attached to many negative connotations, creating in many cases, unwarranted stereotypes. Many homeless people are desperate for a way out, an escape from the chaos and vulnerability of living on the streets. Society and governments have largely abandoned the homeless and left them to fend against the very real horrors of sleeping rough. There needs to be a thorough review of the causes of  homelessness and a coherent strategy supported by an invested infrastructure to combat the intensifying problems. Measurable targets are required if we are really to see true, progressive improvement. Meanwhile, we can all play our part in some way, from a kind word and smile to a warm meal and a cup of tea.

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There is no question, the attitude towards homelessness in the UK needs to change. How many times have commuters neglected a call to help? I am no exception to this, too often people are defaulted to ignore rough sleepers with a dipped head, raised hand in apology, instantly accompanied with momentary internal reflection, processing the undeniable guilt of their own actions, before quickly refocusing on their own day. With the increasingly challenging economic environment of recent years, many are only a couple of unlucky breaks or bad decisions away from a life on the streets.

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Every individual case differs, the issues cannot be pinpointed to one cause nor is a single solution obvious. A combined effort from multiple agencies is needed. The absence of affordable housing, cuts to funding and the overall disregard of homeless lives are obstacles that already exist in our society, and they are escalating each year. 

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Image Source: Unsplash
Image Source: Unsplash

The system set up to battle the homelessness crisis within the United Kingdom is hugely understaffed, underfunded, and understocked. Crowd funding and charitable donations should not be the trusted source of funds to subsidise absent budgets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had the opportunity to talk with Visan about life on the streets of London. I stumbled upon the Romanian migrant near Russell Square. After moving to London over a decade ago, like so many, in search of a better life, Visan has been homeless for just over a year and told me “I thought it would be a new start, a way to make something for myself.” Previously a farmer in his home nation, it was apparent that the effects of being on the streets were taking a heavy toll, “it’s really hard on days like today” (this was the day storm Eunice hit the UK, the wind chill was bitterly cold). Just in the time of our small chat together, it was clear how much Visan appreciated the interaction, “this is the first proper conversation I’ve had this week, so many just ignore the homeless. Everyone is so busy with their own lives”, it was a Thursday, at lunch and the streets were packed with people on lunch break.

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Visan was reluctant to go into the cause of his homelessness, however, did give some insight into what concerned him most, “night-time is a real struggle, finding a safe place to sleep is my main worry once it starts to go dark.” Visan mentioned that he would like to return home to Romania, yet his desperate situation has left him convinced that this

is an impossible dream, with his fate bound to the streets of London.

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Visan’s story is just one of many, lost in the thousands of others in our capital. So much more needs to be done to support those living in destitute situations. A collective effort is required to battle this crippling hardship, looking to long-term solutions is the only way to definitively change lives.

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To learn more about the homelessness crisis or give your support:

Crisis

Shelter

Centrepoint

Image Source: Unsplash
Author: Ollie McDonald (February 2022) 
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