declanduk
12-03-2007, 05:32 AM
hi im dec
Im new to this and just wanted to tell my story briefly.
about 2 years ago i was homeless for around a year. I fell out with my friends and family mainly due to the fact i had a gambling addiction. I ended up on the streets.
I stayed in parks, building sites, schools, anywhere i could just get away from the hustle of city life. I was constantly worried i would see someone i know, whilst at the same time worried someone i didnt know would guess i was homeless. I use to spend my days walking around, mile after mile everyday, i developed a routine, a way in which to pass the hours.
I became a thief, stealing food and drink from supermarkets. (i was actually surprised how easy it was). I stole clothes from shops as i was always trying to maintain an image of not being homeless.
I soon became aware of two or three other people doing the same thing as me. Homeless people who walked around all day, always in the same clothes, and the funny thing was, i was more embarrased of them knowing i was homeless than everyday people. I think i thought that they could tell i was homeless just like i could tell they were.
As with other homeless people i could tell so many storries about things that happened to me, from people catching you sleeping, to nights of pouring rain, days when your legs and feet feel so heavy you dont think you can walk another step, and times of feeling suicidal. I also think i became a little mentally ill, a year of not talking to anyone at all drove me to talk to myself abit. I would play out fantasies in my mind, day dreaming of winning the lottery or finding a brief case full of money.
However things did change for me. I realised in april, having been on the streets for almost a year, i had my tax vouchers in my wallet, which was in my pocket. I was a self employed builder before i was homeless and was due a tax rebate. I went to the tax office and filled in the paperwork, i was due a rebate of £516. This seemed like a fortune. I gave my dads old address as my address, and then every morning i would make sure i was standing outside the flat waiting for the postman to come. Eventually after five weeks (and they were a long five weeks) the letter was given to me by the postman, i riped it open, and inside a nice cheque for £516. I waited for it to clear in the bank and then made a promise to myself. I would use this to change my life.
Two years on and i now have my own flat, i run two internet businesses, i got married, and me and my wife are opening a shop next year in bristol city centre.
I still think about my time on the streets alot. I use it as a tool, when ever i feel down or pissed off, or something dont go my way, i just remember back, and remind myself of how far i have come.
I think people who have never been homeless underestimate just how hard it is. Thankyou for reading, Decland.
oh and by the way, i kicked the gambling addiction
Im new to this and just wanted to tell my story briefly.
about 2 years ago i was homeless for around a year. I fell out with my friends and family mainly due to the fact i had a gambling addiction. I ended up on the streets.
I stayed in parks, building sites, schools, anywhere i could just get away from the hustle of city life. I was constantly worried i would see someone i know, whilst at the same time worried someone i didnt know would guess i was homeless. I use to spend my days walking around, mile after mile everyday, i developed a routine, a way in which to pass the hours.
I became a thief, stealing food and drink from supermarkets. (i was actually surprised how easy it was). I stole clothes from shops as i was always trying to maintain an image of not being homeless.
I soon became aware of two or three other people doing the same thing as me. Homeless people who walked around all day, always in the same clothes, and the funny thing was, i was more embarrased of them knowing i was homeless than everyday people. I think i thought that they could tell i was homeless just like i could tell they were.
As with other homeless people i could tell so many storries about things that happened to me, from people catching you sleeping, to nights of pouring rain, days when your legs and feet feel so heavy you dont think you can walk another step, and times of feeling suicidal. I also think i became a little mentally ill, a year of not talking to anyone at all drove me to talk to myself abit. I would play out fantasies in my mind, day dreaming of winning the lottery or finding a brief case full of money.
However things did change for me. I realised in april, having been on the streets for almost a year, i had my tax vouchers in my wallet, which was in my pocket. I was a self employed builder before i was homeless and was due a tax rebate. I went to the tax office and filled in the paperwork, i was due a rebate of £516. This seemed like a fortune. I gave my dads old address as my address, and then every morning i would make sure i was standing outside the flat waiting for the postman to come. Eventually after five weeks (and they were a long five weeks) the letter was given to me by the postman, i riped it open, and inside a nice cheque for £516. I waited for it to clear in the bank and then made a promise to myself. I would use this to change my life.
Two years on and i now have my own flat, i run two internet businesses, i got married, and me and my wife are opening a shop next year in bristol city centre.
I still think about my time on the streets alot. I use it as a tool, when ever i feel down or pissed off, or something dont go my way, i just remember back, and remind myself of how far i have come.
I think people who have never been homeless underestimate just how hard it is. Thankyou for reading, Decland.
oh and by the way, i kicked the gambling addiction