Abstract
In the United Kingdom, homelessness has risen substantially, however, additional types of hidden homelessness made it more difficult to get an exact number. Whilst the government aims to reduce homelessness by providing adequate and affordable housing, more needs to be done from homeless organisations to building resilience to all groups of homelessness, especially minority groups that finds it challenging to get the support needed. In depth interviews were conducted over the phone with participants and management from a homeless organisation. The researched displayed a wide range of topics, from how identity has been essentially stripped from the participants to the support that management offer but also the issues that still arise when dealing with racism in homeless shelters, a lack of support and understanding to the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of space safety. Subsequently, a greater attention needs to be placed on the support for homeless people as the research shows the damaging effects that homelessness has on identity and how identity can cause homelessness, this should be supported by better security for the LGBTQ+ community and a discrimination policy enhanced in organisations and lastly more funding supplied to homeless shelters to provide more accommodation.
Contents
Abstract 3
Acknowledgements. 5
1.1 Aims: 7
1.2 Objectives: 7
2.1. The meaning of homelessness. 9
2.1.1. Identity and homelessness. 10
2.1.2. Race. 11
2.1.3. Sexuality. 11
2.1.4. Age. 11
2.2. Space and homelessness. 12
2.3. Summary. 12
Chapter 3: Methodology. 13
3.1. Feminist geography to explore homelessness amongst LGBTQ+ population. 13
3.2. Methodology. 13
3.2.1. Interview design. 13
3.2.2. Sampling and sample size. 14
3.2.3. Data collection and data analysis. 14
Chapter 4: Results section. 15
4.1. Overview of homelessness. 15
4.1.1. Causes of becoming homeless. 15
4.1.2. Identity. 15
4.1.3. Mental health. 16
4.1.4. Economic reasons. 17
4.2. Management of homelessness. 18
4.2.1. Ethnic minority and homelessness. 18
4.2.2. Sexuality and homelessness. 19
4.3. Aiding homelessness. 19
4.4. Summary. 20
Chapter 5: Discussion. 22
5.1. Introduction. 22
5.2. Identity breakdown. 22
5.3. Mental health as an issue. 22
5.4. Management in homelessness. 23
5.4.1. Attention to drug users. 23
5.4.2. Sexuality undressed. 23
5.5. The existence of racial inequalities in homelessness Issues of race and ethnicity. 24
5.6. Summary. 24
Chapter 6: Conclusion. 26
Chapter 7: References. 27
Chapter 8: Appendix. 30
Appendix 1: interview questions. 30
Appendix 2: Letter of invitation. 32
Appendix 3: Consent form.. 33
Appendix 4: Debriefing. 34
Appendix 6: Interview transcripts. 35
5.6.1. Participant 1: 35
5.6.2. Participant 2: Participant 2. 42
5.6.3. Participant 3: Participant 3. 49
5.6.4. Participant 4: Participant 4. 58
5.6.5. Participant 5: Participant 5. 62
5.6.6. Participant 6: Participant 6. 70
5.6.7. Participant 7: Participant 7. 78
Acknowledgements
I cannot express enough thanks to my lecturer and supervisor Dr. Annabelle Boulay for their continued support and encouragement. And lastly my completion of this study would not be possible without the help from the St. Mungos homeless organisation for allowing me to conduct interviews with their management team and participants.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Homelessness is a complex contemporary social problem (Anderson, 2015). Homelessness is not just about sleeping rough, it includes other housing associated problems such as cramped accommodation (O’Donnell, 2016) or temporary shelters (Okamoto, 2007). In recent years, it is estimated that the number of homeless people is increasing and affects people from different demographic groups (McCarthy, 2013). Identity has become a key concern in geography and development studies. This is an important area of research as the identity of one person can be associated with a range of stereotypes that will impact one person’s ability to deal with homelessness. For example, homeless people are often associated with derogatory terms such as ‘dirty’ ‘violent’, ‘drug addict’, ‘uneducated’, just to name a few. This leads to prejudice and impacts homeless people to feel part of the wider society. In turn, this affects their social relations and may impact on their ability to seek help. This project focuses on homelessness among the LGBTQ+ community as the number of homeless people belonging to this minority group has increased in recent years (Christopher et al., 2019). LGBTQ+ community are more likely to be affected by homelessness because of the increase in amount of homophobia in communities and family homes with also a huge stigma of LGBTQ+ people in today’s society (Christopher et al., 2019). Yet, that there wasn’t much published studies on transgender’s in the homeless literature, especially ethnic minority transgender’s of the black community. Therefore, this project focuses on this particular his in particular ethnic minority and aims to critically assess how identity can affect homelessness and the how homelessness can affect your identity. The project aims to answer the following research questions by addressing the aims and objectives below:
Research questions
1. How does identity affect homelessness?
2. How can homelessness affect one’s identity?
Aims:
To critically evaluate the role of identity in addressing homelessness.
Objectives:
To review the academic literature on identity and homelessness;
To interview homeless people from minority groups (LGBTQ+) and staff involved in the management of homelessness;
To analyse the interviews and write up the findings.
Chapter 2 presents the conceptualisation of homelessness and highlights the impacts of identity from the effects of homelessness. It introduces the key themes of the study that are salient in the research whilst also raising issues that are prevalent in helping the research progress which are in relation to the key themes. Chapter 3 explains the theoretical approach that the study has used to analyse the research. It also presents the design of the study and method used to conduct the interviews. Chapter 4 presents the analysis of the interviews, showing the participants answers which linked with the literature demonstrating the positive and negative sides to homelessness and identity. Chapter 5 discusses the findings, especially with how the results related to the wider literature and the connection between the research questions. This chapter also demonstrates the common causes of homelessness along with a few challenges that helped to challenge the study and think in a more critical way. Furthermore, this section presents elements of addiction and drugs that contribute to the development of the study. The final chapter concludes and reflects on the entire project, identifying the achievements and challenges of the study. This section also reviews the limitations and how this affected the development of the research.
Chapter 2: Literature review: Conceptualisation of homelessness
Identity plays a critical role in the maintenance of social and cultural aspects and is “ the idea of an interior self or subjectivity that is equal to certain core characteristics that give it integrity and coherence” (Atkinson, 2005: 97). It is shown throughout the research the interconnectedness of homelessness and identity. The concept of identity has received critical considerable attention, and the review of the literature has shown that there are gaps within the literature of how identity can be a cause of homelessness and how homelessness can affect one’s identity. The concept of homelessness is a broad term as there are a variety of definitions attached to this idea of homelessness. However, within this study the term mentioned by Shelter, (2018) is used in its broadest sense to refer to the definition of homelessness, which states that ‘homelessness is street sleeping, living in temporary shelters and essentially not acquiring a home’(1). This concept of homelessness can ‘have an impact on one’s social identity’ as McCarthy, (2013) stated that there is a lack of confidence due to not belonging to a space such as a work place or being a part of an academic institution such as a school etc, a decline in social interactions due to a massive loss of relationships with either friends, family or partner’ (10).
2.1. The meaning of homelessness
The definition of homelessness is quite complexed, and there are a great amount of studies that support this. Homelessness is measured in a variety of ways due to a person’s geographical location. Akinluyi, (2014) mentions in his study that homelessness can be measured by ‘short term, long term, permanent or near to homelessness’, he also mentions that homelessness can also be measured by being ‘self-induced and environmentally dysfunctional homeless’(265). Studies have shown the spaces in which homeless people tend to reside in, this includes shelters, hostels, hospitals etc., and ‘rooflessness which is essentially street sleeping’ (Somerville, 2009).
Other studies by Amore, (2013) mentions that homelessness is defined by the lack of access to adequate housing (p228). The definition of homelessness has adapted to geographical locations, causing there to be an abundance of terms that define the idea of ’homelessness’. One differing definition comes from Edgar, (2009) who mentions that homelessness is “Exclusion from physical, social and legal domains and exclusion from any one or two of these domains is defined as housing exclusion” (7). These definitions comprise an idea of how to spot a homeless person in order to provide the correct support, which is essential as homelessness has a huge impact on a person’s quality of life.
In recent years, homelessness has grown and affects people from a range of categories such as age, gender, race, sexuality or disability in both developed and developing countries (McCarthy, 2013). Social and Cultural geographers play a key role in researching the identity of homelessness as the social and spatial realm are interconnected (Anderson, 2015). Homelessness is not only referring to rough sleeping, it may also include people living in cramped accommodation (O’Donnell, 2016) or insecure housing or temporary shelters (Okamoto, 2007). One contributing factor to homelessness is rapid urbanization, this affects the population in different cities to identify if there is a link with culture and homelessness (Cloke, Crang and Goodwin, 2013). This is because of a lack of adequate housing where there is a high rate of poor conditioned houses that are either unsafe, overcrowded and damp etc., For example, over one billion people living in Africa reside in urban areas or live in squatter settlements and the slums in order to get employment. In addition, urban development leads to an increase in mega cities which are not always developed in a sustainable way, for example In Nigeria, mega cities are near the coast line and due to the frequent flooding and poor infrastructure, therefore a lot people are more at risk of losing their homes especially in their most devastating flood in Lagos (Adetokunbo and Emeka, 2015). ‘The perception of homelessness is key in the management of homelessness as the identity of the homeless has gained importance’ in recent year (Sheikh and Teeman, 2018). Culture is an important factor when exploring the perception and identity of homelessness. For example, in the Japanese culture, it is crucial to deal with their homeless population as the Japanese society believes that the poor are expected to support themselves or be supported by their family. As such, it is unusual to see people begging in Japan and the homeless population is contributing to society in a quite resourceful manner by collecting empty cans and cardboard to then sell to generate income. Furthermore, a lot of shame comes with being homeless in the Japanese culture, thus causing homeless people to reside in places far from where the public can see them (Iwata, 2010). This cultural perception means that it can be quite difficult for the government to help this ‘invisible’ population. Furthermore, solutions and programmes put in place to support and decrease the homeless population have little intake as many people do return back to living on the streets as they feel these programmes impede on their independence and it also difficult to change the mentality of someone who is use to living in a certain way especially after being rejected from their society, family and friends (Iwata, 2010). However, in Africa it is most common to see homeless people who are either women, disabled, street children or the elderly. In this region, homeless are the most vulnerable especially in the coastal peripheries and the city core due to the effects of climate change and related hazards (Adetokunbo and Emeka 2015).
2.1.1. Identity and homelessness
Social identity is “a feeling of belonging to a social group, as a strong connection with social category, and as an important part of our mind that affects our social perceptions and behaviours”. (Korostelina, 2007) The term ‘homelessness identity’ is not used in everyday society but is a term to suggest that due to the condition of a homeless person they can only identify themselves how the rest of the world identifies them as and that can overshadow their character as a human being. ‘Homeless people are often portrayed as not important, high body odour, unclean, uneducated and a failure’ (Juan, 2017, 131) This is important as the ways in which we understand identity are constantly changing overtime. So, this can then cause even more of a confusion for homeless people as they see themselves how society sees them. This is significant as we see the vulnerable state and loss of control over their being, that they are pushed out of society and are almost controlled by the stereotypes. Indeed, when referring to homeless identity, the terms ‘dirty’ ‘violent’, ‘drug addict’, ‘uneducated’, etc are the main stereotypes used.
The notion of identity reveals a complexed concept that is broken down into key elements that make up one’s identity in order to manage their lives throughout society. The most neglected percentage of homeless people are a part of the LGBTQ+ community as Fraser et al. (2019) mentions that they ‘comprise of 20-40{ef8bf1e8d82892e9eb813f36f9fd1f544aac5ccf3488e9a71f89f86e05138f3c} of the homeless population’ as the “LGBTQIA+ young adults are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness as their non LGBTQIA+ peers” (Doorways, 2021). This has shown to cause an increase of mental health problems amongst the LGBTQ+ community as they have developed stress, anxiety etc. due to having to “manage their identities, wider personal problems and insecure accommodation.” (Mathews et al., 2018). These wider personal problems include family rejection, treatment in foster homes by foster parents as this is the most common way into homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community as “Almost every foster parent in a study conducted with in depth interviews had a child removed once they found out that the child was non heterosexual” (Robinson, 2018), which is becoming a growing concern in the LGBTQ+ community.
2.1.2. Race
Race ties into the topic of both sexuality and gender about the common types of homeless people there are. People of colour are known to be commonly homeless (Reeve and Batty, 2011)(17). Such as an economically developed country like the United States displaying a rate of violence against trans people of colour is shown to be more than the general heterosexual women and even more violence in places of services for homeless people such as healthcare environments, law enforcements and home shelters. There is however very little research done on why ‘blacks’ specifically (and that is people of the African/Caribbean diaspora) have actually been overrepresented (Halliday, 2000) in the homeless population as Fraser et al., (2019) states that 42{ef8bf1e8d82892e9eb813f36f9fd1f544aac5ccf3488e9a71f89f86e05138f3c} are shown to be homeless in the USA. There are many issues in the housing sector that cause this. ‘Such as housing discrimination, lack of access to mental health and substance abuse services, declines in affordable housing, residential segregation and poverty’ (Carter III, 2011).
2.1.3. Sexuality
Sexuality as a growing concept shows that the idea of sexuality is developing with more recent terms arising in society (Mathews, 2018). This type of concept shows quite a few similarities in a less economically developed country like Brazil where “Transgender women have a high rate of hate violence towards them” (Thapa, 2015). It is also shown that transgenders and those who are gender expansive often have difficult times in welfare systems. This calls attention to the increasing problem of sexual violence amongst homeless people especially in the young LGBTQ+ community which can then cause some to return home. This has shown to be a big issue. Traditionally gender has been a binary concept often explained as both female and male. This type of concept has helped to construct spaces to enable us humans to understand females and femininity and males and their masculinity. However, in modern society this has shown to not be inclusive as it disregards the many other genders that others identify with. Therefore, returning back home to a homophobic environment can have concerning effects. This study argues the detrimental effects of sexuality being a cause of homelessness as there has been a multitude of studies reporting that being LGBTQ+ has resulted in a disconnect from family, public spaces and public services. Whilst also drawing on the effects of homelessness to one’s sexuality as there has been research on the suppression of one’s sexual identity which then leads to an increase of mental instability for homeless people.
2.1.4. Age
Annually around 1.6 to 2 million youth, aged 12 to 24 years old experience homelessness each year in the United States (Gibson, 2011; Karabanow, 2004; Wikin et al., 2005). Youth who are LGBTQ are estimated to make up at least 40{ef8bf1e8d82892e9eb813f36f9fd1f544aac5ccf3488e9a71f89f86e05138f3c} of this population. Most of them become homeless due to familial abuse derived from homophobia. The cost of coming out has shown to have its risk factors as, “69{ef8bf1e8d82892e9eb813f36f9fd1f544aac5ccf3488e9a71f89f86e05138f3c} of young LGBTQ+ people were abused by their family in 2015” (Mathews et al., 2018). The experience of family rejection has been a difficult thought to process as theory shows that a family represents a home however “a strong feeling of home is part of being more comfortable in a heterosexual world” (Mathews et al., 2018) thus preventing vulnerable youths from going back into housing can cause them to remain in long term homelessness.
2.2. Space and homelessness
Space has shown to be quite a salient factor for those experiencing homelessness as it can have an effect on their identity where they can either supress of express who they are based on their comfortability (Harmon, 2018). The sense of space can then be seen as something difficult to obtain as “urbanization creates overpopulation which results to poverty as there is not enough public services, affordable housing etc. This has then created high levels of homelessness due to the housing stock being out of their economic reach (Akinluyi, 2014). Many people have had to turn to residing in shelters, illegal spaces which heightens their vulnerability and does not allow space for comfortability. This is significant because homeless people will very rarely experience a safe space which paints a traumatic picture of constant suppression of one’s self which is not healthy. Homelessness in urban areas is seen to be a complicated issue as those areas provide services and opportunities for people migrating from rural areas. This is a key element in understanding the high rate of homelessness in urban areas in order to help manage the population. In addition to the increase of homelessness in urban areas, it is shown in other studies that there is quite ‘poor urban planning, underdeveloped infrastructure and the existence of forceful evictions’ (Adetokunbo and Emeka, 2015) that contribute to this global concern. Furthermore, many will argue that there is an extreme case of unfairness being that homelessness is not a choice but a result of a lack of choice as there is a lack of affordable and adequate housing which are the two most contributing factors to becoming homeless.
2.3. Summary
Homelessness is an increasing problem around the world as there are limited access to resources that homeless people are not able to access, including health services which causes an increase of disability and mental illness among the homeless population, as well as impacting the social interactions in society, as well as being exposed to the effects of environmental issues such as climate change where flooding can occur more frequent in some countries, or extreme heat can cause health problems and morbidity. Overall the study aim to show the link between gender, race, sexuality, age and homelessness and that it does affect one’s identity. The literature so far has found that gender is a factor for the cause of homelessness, however this varies spatially as in in global north countries men are more likely to be homeless whereas in global south countries homelessness is mainly women. Research on the subject has been mostly restricted to limited comparisons of men and women as no transgenders have been included in research on homeless. This gap in the literature provides the rationale for the current project as this minority of people are more vulnerable and therefore more likely to be victims of house eviction, unemployment, hate crimes and also at risk of lack of family support. As such, it may also be more difficult for them to get support and help from the mainstream management of homelessness.
Chapter 3: Methodology
3.1. Feminist geography to explore homelessness amongst LGBTQ+ population
Feminist geography is an approach that developed in the 1970s, alongside the development of Women in Development (Rodo-de-zarate, 2018). This theoretical approach was designed to examine and to transform spatial gender divisions in society and has been extended to also examine the spatial divisions of cultural politics and identity. Feminists geographers have recognized the material inequalities between men and women through patriarchy. Over time their studies have also shown how gender has evolved and how they are experienced in particular places. ‘Within Feminist geography, caste, gender, sexuality, religion, age and ethnicity have been sourced by various studies that analyse the intersections specifically between these categories’ (Nelson and Seager, 2004), this is why feminist geography is a relevant approach to use for this project as homelessness is considered as a minority group to be studied, and whilst the population is surveyed and not the homeless people themselves, they are still the focus of the research. Feminist geographers use both qualitative and quantitative method, so it is appropriate to use a qualitative approach where I conduct a fair amount of interviews to a mix group of participants ranging from homeless people themselves and the management of homeless organisations to get an understanding of their perceptions of identity of homelessness and how homelessness can affect one’s identity.
3.2. Methodology
3.2.1. Interview design
This study has used semi-structured interviews to conduct the research, this technique is a strategy used for collecting qualitative data using a written guide to ask the participants open ended questions to allow room for more discussion in order to meet the research questions affectively, whilst also raising unexpected points that may challenge the study. This type of strategy also encourages the interviewees to think a bit more on important topics. The design of the interview (Appendix 1) has been constructed by creating questions that answer the studies research questions. In the appendix you will have the letter of invitation (Appendix 2), participant information sheet (Appendix 3), consent form (Appendix 4) and debriefing (Appendix 5). This was done by breaking down the concept of cultural identity into the main themes of the study which are race, age, ethnicity, sexuality, gender and space. This was then ordered in a way for the interview to flow cohesively in order to create more discussion. And due to the research having a more narrative analysis approach this then encouraged participants to converse more about their own individual stories facing homelessness. These questions were then followed up with prompts for whenever the answer could be deeper looked at. This allows flexibility within the interview for there to be a good level of comfort and natural discussion. A significant technique imbedded into conducting the interviews was the ability to flow from one question to another that were not in the same order as the discussion progressed. This was important as there was no repetition of answers to ensure the conversation flowed naturally and it made sure that there was no questions that needed to be asked based off of the participants answer. Lastly, to enable great interviews. The questions were piloted with other participants to test my research approach to see what worked and what didn’t to allow for greater results.
3.2.2. Sampling and sample size
The research takes place in the UK with adults homeless over 18 years old as well as managers of homeless organisations. St Mungo is a homeless organisation that help to support and prevent people coming out and going through homelessness. With a great amount of outreach workers proving help to those that are street sleeping every night. The sampling strategy use a convenience and snowballing approach, whereby managers of St Mungo recruited participants from their homeless organisations who were also using the St. Mungos services.
3.2.3. Data collection and data analysis
A total of eight participants (4 homeless and 3 managers) were interviewed between 15th and 27th of February 2021. The interviews were conducted over the phone using no caller Id whilst a laptop was recording the interview in the background. The interviews lasted between 17 minutes and 52 minutes and were recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVIVO 12. The interviews were coded, using an inductive approach. From the codes, themes were identified. The next chapter presents the analysis of the interviews.
Chapter 4: Results section
4.1. Overview of homelessness
The data analysis has showed that the common reasons for the cause of homelessness are sexuality, job insecurity and frequent evictions. The analysis also highlights that that the identity of an individual can lead to becoming homeless. Indeed, factors such as religion, homophobic in the family i.e. the parents or a lack of support in their environment can impact on the level of support a person may receive or ask for. The data analysis has separated the core key elements of the research as it highlights the main topics of sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity and space with a breakdown that delves deeper into how the participants, management and public perceive these key elements in relation to homelessness.
4.1.1. Causes of becoming homeless
The analysis of the interviews showed that the causes of homelessness were quite similar from the participants. However, the answers from the homeless individuals or the staff working with homeless people most definitely had different perspectives of how they saw homelessness with different experiences of being or working in the homeless sector. The analysis of the interviews explored the range of reasons why young people become homeless. One interviewee spoke about sexuality being a cause of homelessness from an experience she had with a young girl. “She’d never spoken to anyone about her sexuality, she was very shy….and I’m pretty sure deep down I think that your parents know they just don’t say because you’ve not said but that lead her to run away from home because she was all confused … and then she ended up in a youth hostel” (PARTICIPANT 5). Becoming homeless is not related to a specific category and a range of factors can lead to homelessness. Homelessness does not depend solely on your financial status, ethnic background, age, sexuality, geographical location: “homelessness could happen to anybody right particularly after a pandemic where peoples jobs security is not secure. And basically, most people are two pay cheques away from being homeless” (PARTICIPANT 1). Whilst the above factors play an important part, becoming homeless can also happen to people who are completely secured in all parts of their lives who experience at a specific time in their life a lack of help and support which lead to a disruption of their social network and support which can lead to becoming homeless. Once a person is homeless, it may be difficult to recover because of the management of homelessness in the UK. One of the other factors that contribute to increased homelessness is the lack of affordable housing “To get your own place is extremely expensive” (PARTICIPANT 1). This point is crucial as affordable housing is very strenuous to find and as job wages are very low they will be even more difficult to sustain thus causing people to go into hidden homelessness or reside on the street.
4.1.2. Identity
The results obtained from the preliminary analysis shows that the identity of the person is affected by homelessness: “It’s gonna affect your identity again you’re going to become someone your not, yeah and then when you find yourself to be like that to keep yourself safe you know it takes a long time to go well hey this is who I really am.” (PARTICIPANT 5). This is because of the difficulty for homeless people to not assimilate to the given narrative of a homeless identity by the general public, which is the stereotypical perception that homeless people are dirty, violent, uneducated, lazy and smelly. Because of the stigma around homeless people this has caused the public to react in a negative way. This also leads to the explanation for the struggle of homeless people being confident in their own identity as the treatment by the public leads them to believe what the public see as it is very rare for the public to treat them any different.
Several reasons were mentioned by the participants regarding the loss or change of identity due to becoming homeless. A few discrete reasons emerged from this, the first being that the loss of social interactions, permanent address and work places take a huge hit to one’s sense of self as those spaces are what people identify themselves with. The second being that accepting who they are now because in most cases, the informants reported that their life changes a lot and this affected their personality: “It’s changed me completely, my gosh. I’m not the person I was I feel insecure. I feel half the man I was” (PARTICIPANT 7). The analysis also showed that this loss of identity can be related to the perception of homeless people by the general population and this indicates an even bigger challenge for homeless people as there is nothing that they can essentially identify themselves with other than the prescribed identity that the public give them.
Whilst for many, homelessness is a negative experience, the analysis also showed that for some participants homelessness has been seen in a more positive way and shaped their identity and personality. For example, participants argued that becoming homeless changed their view of life and they would no longer take things for granted, and develop a new set of skills such as the ability to be patient and finding, connecting with their inner self to solidify who they are: “It erm made me a better person. I think you know, it taught me lots of things about life.” (PARTICIPANT 4).
4.1.3. Mental health
One of the main findings from the interviews is that mental health is a key factor in homelessness. Mental health can be a trigger of homelessness or a consequence of homelessness. The interviews showed that many homeless people have mental health issues: “I think a lot of people who are homeless have issues with mental health” (PARTICIPANT 2). The key finding is that the majority of interviews agreed with this statement as homeless people are isolated from society. Furthermore, there is a recurring issue of addiction with homeless people as this can be a coping strategy to being homeless. As a result, many homeless people are addicted mostly to drugs and/or drinks and this addiction can also lead to mental health issues. In turn, this makes the recovery from homelessness more difficult as this is another problem added to the situation an individual has to address. Homeless individuals often experience the build-up of stress, fear, anxiety and depression. This can cause longer periods of homelessness, and street sleeping therefore many often “descend into alcoholism and drugs” (PARTICIPANT3) which “takes all their energy” (PARTICIPANT 1). This is used as a way to cope with their current situation, hence also increasing their homelessness period, this then becomes a vicious circle that individuals find almost impossible to break. This is important to the research as it shows how easily long-term homelessness can be prevented with more alcohol and drug prevention schemes, support groups for those on the street in order to have a positive effect on their mental health.
4.1.4. Economic reasons
Another factor contributing to increased homelessness is income or lack of. Economic factors also impact on different age groups, from young unemployed people to retired people, including younger retirees from the Army for example. The analysis showed the governmental issues surrounding the financial support of homeless people. Finance cuts, especially benefit cuts affect people living in precarity and often trigger some people to become homeless as cuts in benefit leave them unable to pay for their accommodation so people are evicted from their home: “Around that point that the Chelsea pensioners were arriving they took my funding from me” (PARTICIPANT 4). This allowed the research to establish the challenges of support given to those that are homeless as there is not enough money to support everyone. But the number of people being evicted is increasing.
Another economic reason to become homeless is unemployment. One of the finding showed that there is a lack of support both financial and moral for military workers and large number of military workers finds themselves homeless after leaving the army, especially if they have not or have lost family support: “guys coming home from war. And they didn’t have a home to go to. They join as a boy, they come out a man. We come out homeless. […] And yet we become job slaves. Everybody is on this kind of wage that is just not enough to get by. Manages to put us all in debt.” (PARTICIPANT 3).
The lack of income or the low income also impact on housing, especially in urban areas which have experienced increased house rentals and/or a decline in the quality of housing. Rental prices are increasing in urban areas due to gentrification and urban regeneration. This has caused those who are on lower income or benefits to be forced out of their homes which are located in urban development areas. “You had to have ties to the borough…for example, there was a homeless guy on the street, he was from Newcastle, rather than put him in a hostel they were just offering him a coach home” (PARTICIPANT 7). Because of this they not only lose their homes but will also be displaced to a different location in the city which then effects their social network thus causing them to lose a community and very useful support which impacts on the identity of the individual.
One interviewee mentioned “I believe it’s to do with the government, they don’t want to pay housing benefit” (PARTICIPANT 2). if the cuts of benefits or loss of employment is a concerning matter as there is a very large percentage of benefits being cut for young adults and due to the high rate of very low wages this can have a negative impact on ones’ mental health as people are spending more time worrying about making enough money every month to pay their rent that they stop living for themselves, especially when they are only making enough to survive on. The lack of money allows them to then sink back into a stressful, anxious and depressing cycle once again and therefore impact on their mental health.
4.2. Management of homelessness
The analysis of this data has shown the different scales of the management of homelessness as there are very few homeless organisations that cater fairly to their members but many others that need many improvements in relation to dealing with homeless identity such as awareness of different identities and recognising the different needs for people with different identity: “There needs to be more awareness” (PARTICPANT 7). This could involve awareness of sexuality “I understand there was a project but it wasn’t very well publicised for like myself, a project worker maybe managers were aware of it but I myself was not aware of it only when a client came to our project that had those type of problems, that I became aware” (PARTICIPANT 2), transgenders and ethnic minorities as there are typically violence against these types of people especially in homeless shelters and on the street. This is significant to the study as the poor management can impact the members confidence to be able to come out of homelessness. In order to address these issues of identity awareness, there is a need to train the staff who work directly with the clients: “It’s really having the right staff. Who are tolerant” (PARTICIPANT 2).
4.2.1. Ethnic minority and homelessness
The analysis also showed that sexual identity was not only a problem amongst homelessness and other aspect of identity such as ethnicity and gender were also of concerns for management. Indeed, issues of inequalities amongst ethnic minority and gender are omnipresent in homelessness. According to the participants working in the management side of homelessness, homeless participants felt more at risk if they belong to an ethnic minority, a specific gender and/or sexual identity: “We’ve still got sexism so it’s all a bit tucked under. So them kind of issues will force a Muslim boy to go on the street or an Asian boy or whatever, a young black man or a young black girl or you know, it’s really difficult for them to express themselves” (PARTICIPANT 5). As a result, people of the LGBTQ+ community do receive quite a bit of hate violence which puts them at risk and often claim to find themselves in dangerous situations as a result of this.
A major concern expressed by one participant was the unfair treatment of ethnic minorities as they explained that “There was a boy who came in, he was 17 years old, a young black boy, you can see he was scared of being homeless…… one of the biggest policeman I’ve seen… and there was another six of them behind him. And he gave him the biggest overhand right to the boy sitting down on the cheek, the nose and smashed his face on the side of his face and he cracked his head off the wall.” (PARTICIPANT 3). A number of issues were identified by this response. The first being the monotonous race issue that ethnic minorities are unfortunately not able to separate themselves from and as this already affects their social, work and love lives where they have already been pushed out by society. The second issue is the lack of protection for those of African and Caribbean decent, as there is a history of inhumane treatment by the police towards them, therefore there needs to be other services created in order to protect them. Lastly the unequal treatment towards ethnic minorities is one of many concerning issues as it has been reported by another participant that Africans are hardly seen in homeless shelters and another interviewee reported that homeless people need citizenship in order to reside in homeless shelters. This is a serious issue as homelessness is predominantly seen in black households who are also one of the top people to struggle with receiving citizenship.
4.2.2. Sexuality and homelessness
The analysis aims to focus on a particular aspect of identity, i.e. sexual identity. The analysis of the data demonstrated those of a different sexuality identity (i.e. non binary) had a different experience of homelessness and the managers highlighted how sexual identity affected LGBTQ+ community differently. Participants from the research who identified as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community explained how they have been singled out and treated differently because of their sexual identity which is not perceived as the norm in society. Participants argued that this exclusion can have damaging impacts on an individual: “It can absolutely shatter somebody’s sense of self and identity.” (PARTICPANT 1). Some participants also explained how some homeless people are unable to express their identity by fear of not receiving help as any other people would and therefore this has also impacted on their mental health as they are living a lie: “They can’t come out, they’d have to pretend to be something else they ain’t.” (PARTICIPANT 5). For the participants who work with homeless people, this is a recurrent issue in homeless organisations as members would struggle to express themselves by the way they dress when attending projects therefore they would be constantly supressing and hiding themselves. This would then impact their self-confidence which can hinder those from coming out of homelessness. “you know people get stabbed for being gay or walking a different way or dressing a different way” (PARTICIPANT 5). A contradicting statement mentioned by a participant stated that “charities give people who are gay houses before straight folks so that’s a thing and the council do that too” (PARTICIPANT 3)This reveals that those who are of the LGBTQIA+ community received help at a quicker rate compared to those who are heterosexual, as more participants went on to mention that those of the LGBTQIA+ community would receive housing before them even though they would apply for housing before them.
4.3. Aiding homelessness
The analysis identified the importance of being inclusive when dealing with homeless people, however this was not a shared feeling by all participants: “I don’t think inclusion is the way” (PARTICIPANT 3) while others considered that there needs to be more inclusion in order to understand those who are indifferent to them. The analysis revealed that funding will be key in developing an inclusion programme. An issue related to this theme of inclusion was stated by another interview who raised a concern of homeless organisations being like a prison. The interviewee continued on to say that placing drug users around people who are also addicts does not allow them to focus on getting better as there is no one surrounding them who is in their positions motivating them to become clean and therefore come out of homelessness: “Most hostels there’s no common sense in that I mean, they want people to come in hostels and make a sign a contract to better yourself and move on from whatever situation you’re in you know. Yeah, that’s the one with drugs problems. I know. How can they do that if the person either side of them or in front of them are crackheads and smackheads. You can never expect that to work. It’s like prison. We know prison doesn’t work” (PARTICIPANT 3).
The interview analysis also highlighted the importance of the training or staff ability to understand homelessness and the different factors affecting homelessness. To be able to help homeless people, one need to understand their need and their experience to develop that connection and trust with that person to ensure that their quality of life can improve. Indeed, some would argue that the staff team should be that example “It’s nice to know that there is someone who is Asian, who could relate to them. There’s all kinds of things it helps, you know if there is a rang of different cultured members to link with other cultures who are homeless” (PARTICIPANT 2). However not every staff have the same experience and are properly trained in order to relate and to support those with addictions.
For example, when dealing with homeless people from a specific sexual identity, staff should be aware and tolerant of these different identities in order to develop inclusive programmes. The idea of Inclusion has been seen as a way to bring people together, however this may not work with a particular set of group like the LGBTQ+ community and heterosexuals. This is because of the extreme amount of homophobia in society which can have a damaging affect as it has been reported by a participant that homeless organisations lack appropriate security. This then caused almost everyone they knew to sleep with a weapon in order to feel protected and this can also lead to people being victims of possible sexual harassment. The analysis also identifies the need to inform the population about how homelessness are lived differently by people from different identity. On medium of awareness could be through documentaries on TV or the internet. One interviewee argued that “You should have more documentaries, you should have more programmes. They have started doing that in like soaps like my other gay people or whatever but they should have more than that” (PARTICIPANT 5). This will help the spread of awareness at a rapid rate as media is accessed by everyone, However, this can also be concerning as some of the people may not agree with this type of media and can cause an increase of homophobia within society.
Another reported problem was the ways in which housing was managed by landlords and one interviewee argued that “They shouldn’t put gender or sexuality on housing forms, to take that power away of prejudice from landlords.” (PARTICIPANT 3). As mentioned earlier, this is important to note as males are usually perceived to be homeless by the public however there has been an increase of women in point in time counts. Therefore, using this idea of taking away prejudgement questions can possibly decrease the number of women who are homeless and also end gender inequality in housing.
4.4. Summary
The participants of the St. Mungo’s organisation were interviewed to discuss the research questions of this study. This was then analysed using the software NVIVO by using codes to help identify the themes apart of the study. This helped in revealing the results in this chapter which indicate that the majority of the results support the findings in the literature, whilst also presenting new information and contradictory arguments. The data was significant as it helped to show the importance of awareness and tolerance in management for the categories of sexuality, ethnicity and mental health as these are the key factors of what can be affected by homelessness and the causes of someone becoming homeless. The data also provided insights to new information as it highlighted the financial issues that contribute to homelessness. A few contradictory arguments emerged from this data which helped to challenge the study’s research questions. And In the next chapter, the research moves on to discuss these results in relation to further literature.
Chapter 5: Discussion
5.1. Introduction
The findings showed a strong connection between the research questions, as previous studies evaluating those who are homeless observed consistent results within the findings where ‘homelessness affects people from a range of categories such as age, gender, race, sexuality or disability’ (McCarthy, 2013).
5.2. Identity breakdown
The research showed that identity was key in dealing and managing homelessness. Becoming homeless lead to a new identity, that perception and image is portrayed by the media, i.e. being ‘dirty, smelly, useless’, etc. Identity is changing through one’ life as Leve (2011) showed in his research when he argued that ‘Identity is a strong presence for helping people navigate throughout a social life’ (513). However, the complexities of understanding this concept of identity has appeared throughout the findings, as it is seen that objective identity contributes to the perplexity of this concept. This is because of the ‘biological or social facts that determine who you are’ as Bilgrami (2006) (5) presented in his research. Many participants agreed that they thought the public saw them in a particular way which then caused them to assimilate to that given narrative of a ‘homeless identity’ as mentioned in the literature review, that they are dirty, violent, uneducated and drug addicts. This then causes those who are homeless to completely disconnect from their true identity whilst leading to social concerns. Given the breakdown of political identity which consists of sexuality, age, race, gender, ethnicity and space, the results have revealed that sexuality, gender, race and ethnicity are the most serious issues that can cause a person to be homeless and can also be affected by homelessness.
5.3. Mental health as an issue
The present study raises a few patterns within the theme of mental health as all participants including management agreed that homelessness has led to a poor mental health state. This is a result of substance use amongst homeless people as Hao et al.,(2021) mentioned in their research that ‘drugs and alcohol was used by a third of the homeless population thus leading to be the main cause of homelessness’(3) to aid in coping with their current situation. This is a crucial issue to discuss as this raises the awareness of a lack of support services for those street sleeping. ‘The effects of a mental illness on homeless person can lead to a permanent mental illness as they develop the inability to move through life’ as Lachaud et al., (2021) argued that ‘applying for jobs and having social interactions are then affected by this’(2). This is important to highlight as mental health is not attached to a specific race, sexuality or age, therefore meaning that it is possible for anyone to develop mental health issues. These findings raise intriguing questions regarding the nature and extent of the literature as mental health has not been mentioned in the literature however it does play a vital role in understanding the extent to how homelessness can affect a person’s identity. This shows that there could of been further research done in order to support the themes of the study. The research has contributed extensive knowledge of individual experiences that have given more insight to what has not been reported in research papers such as racial violence, the lack of protection in homeless shelters thus causing participants to sleep with weapons, insufficient funds to maintain homeless organisations/shelters.
5.4. Management in homelessness
Interestingly enough the results presented for this category did bring about a surprise to the research as the analysis showed quite a few concerning factors that can limit the development of homeless people. The most important clinically relevant find was the recurrent issue of management who lack awareness to their members of homeless organisations as participant 2 expressed their lack of awareness to a project about sexuality. A possible explanation for this might be that there is also a lack of communication between the managers and staff thus causing an issue when those who attend the workshops or are wanting to attend the workshops are not being helped or are turned away. This could also contribute to an increase of poor mental health as they are not able to access the support that is set out for them due to the poor liaising and communication of staff. Prior studies revealed that ‘ending homelessness can be achieved’ as Sheikh & Teeman (2018) stated in their research with ‘the role of government being pivotal’ to this goal (73). Although these findings are not fully consistent with previous studies, they do raise important questions regarding the themes of this study, such as how can management be more tolerant to drug users, be more aware of the different types of sexual identity, be more supportive of people with different experiences etc.
5.4.1. Attention to drug users
The attention to drug users is fairly low as substance use is not merely enough supported in comparison to other issues like sexuality, race and mental health despite this being an issue in all categories mentioned. One finding from the results was the unfair treatment towards drugs users in homeless organisations that lead to substance users unsafely using drugs. In order for the safety and support of substance users there needs to be “more people with lived experience of homelessness involved in co-designing evaluation and services be at the centre of all provision, such as taking on peer led roles as mediators and advocates”(Sheikh & Teeman, 2018)(72) who can engage with drug users otherwise they will remain in the same positions. This is important as substance users can easily slip back into using drugs once they are sober if they don’t have the correct and fair support around them, causing them to remain homeless.
5.4.2. Sexuality undressed
The results of this topic raised a few contradicting responses around the treatment to those of a different sexuality as there were responses that agreed with the literature such as one participant stating that they are singled out and treated differently whilst it was mentioned in the literature that there is an ‘increasing violence amongst homeless people, especially in the young LGBTQ+ community’. This direct ‘rise of unfair treatment has led to poor mental health’ as it is stated in Mathews et al., (2019) consisting of ‘increased stress, depression and anxiety amongst homeless people of the LGBTQ+ community, whilst having to manage personal problems and housing issues’(235). However in comparison to these responses, there has been one unanticipated finding that other participants have expressed about the unfair treatment of those apart of the LGBTQ+ community. This took the research by surprise as this is a result of positive discrimination which does contradict the above findings. This can be because of the importance of safety around people of the LGBTQ+ community as Hunter, (2008) stated ‘they are more likely to experience hate violence towards them’ (1) Therefore more awareness needs to be around sexual identity, including the different types and the support they need when dealing with homelessness in order to ensure that they are comfortable, safe and protected.
5.5. The existence of racial inequalities in homelessness Issues of race and ethnicity
The findings of racial discrimination is contrary to the previous research which has suggested results of positive discrimination, whilst the findings of the current study demonstrate negative discrimination. ‘Racial discrimination is still an existing issue in society and has been seen in the housing’ sector and homeless organisations as Halliday, (2000) reports that ‘housing landlords are racially prejudice to ethnic minorities’(449). Racism has been a very serious issue in society for many years and has caused an impact to the social lives of black people specifically (those of African/Caribbean diaspora. As mentioned in the review of the literature ethnic minorities have been ‘discriminated in the housing sector, denied access to mental health and substance abuse services and have not been given affordable housing’ (Carter III, 2011). This revealed a similarity within the data as participants mentioned that as an ethnic minority, they feel more at risk being homeless and street sleeping. There is still the unfair treatment towards ‘blacks’ as we’ve seen in the data the racial violence that occurred in a homeless shelter. One cause of this could be the lack of support services and ethnic minority workers in temporary shelters. ‘Hiring more people who the participants are able to relate to can create a significant difference for ethnic minorities as they would feel a lot more safer’(Jones, 2016). It can therefore be assumed that the existence of negative racial discrimination is undoubtedly worrying and there is an urgent need of action for more awareness of this type of activity when managing homelessness.
5.6. Summary
In summary, the majority of the findings from the results align with the literature as it was discussed that identity broken down into categories of sexuality, race, age, gender and ethnicity are very much so interconnected in understanding the causes of homelessness. Furthermore, substance use has shown to be quite prevalent as an effect of homelessness as it was discussed that this was a common issue for homeless people to try and supress their emotions because of their situation. There was an unexpected finding that was significant to the study as it found that there needs to be quite a few improvements for management in order to help support their participants in a more effective way, and this included more integration of support for race, ethnicity and drug users. Lastly the discussion raised an important point of positive and negative discrimination in relation to sexuality and race which is crucial to the study as this suggests ways in which homelessness is managed.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
The purpose of the current study was designed to determine the effects of homelessness on identity and how identity can affect homelessness. This was a significant decision for the research as the study wanted the reader to view both sides of the spectrum, to understand the complexity of identity. With respect to the first research question and the literature, it was found that there was a direct corelation in relation to how identity affects homeless people, as it was mentioned by both the participants and the literature that homeless people lose their original identity and take on the objective stereotypical identity that is prescribed to them by the public. This study confirmed the findings of McCarthy, (2013) which found that ‘homelessness affects people from the categories of sexuality, age, race, gender and ethnicity’. This was shown by the study as it revealed how much of an impact homelessness can have on your self-esteem and the development of self as there is also a way of treatment that comes along with this prescribed identity by the public that has caused a disconnect in the social interaction between the public and homeless people. The research was successful in identifying a few of the causes of homelessness that interlinked with the main categories of study. This involved the government, housing sector and financial aid, which was a great contribution to understanding how these categories were affected being and becoming homeless, as there was a mention of racial discrimination of landlords, a cut of benefits and a lack of governmental efforts in supporting homeless people. One limitation of the study was the unexpected change from having to collect quantitative data to collecting qualitative data as there was an issue with the format of the questionnaire, however due to the results of the study the qualitative approach was the most effective approach for the research as there was an endless amount of data to work through that also raised various amount of questions and has challenged the study to delve deeper into the research questions. This was an essential transition in the study as it allowed the research to take new lengths into a completely different direction from the beginning whilst raising other important issues that were a key part to the development of the study. The research has contributed extensive knowledge to literature as it demonstrated a wide range of issues that were not addressed by the wider literature thus causing a challenge to the study in discussing the results. Throughout this research there has been growth in many areas, from developing skills in data analysis to delving deeper in to the core themes of the study in order to form the best results for the research.
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Chapter 8: Appendix
Appendix 1: interview questions
Identify and homelessness
1) Introduction
· Thank participant for taking part in the project and explain the project.
· Ground rules: Remind participant that:
o Participants must agree to treat what is discussed as private;
· Emphasis for the participant to use his/her own words and that there is no right or wrong answers.
· Ask permission to record.
· Confirm participant confidentiality (allocation of code to participants)
· Ask participant to sign consent form (give a copy to participant)
2) Homelessness in the UK
Can you talk to me about the homelessness situation in the UK? in particular the management of homelessness.
Why do you think it is most common for young adults to become homeless?
How does identity such as sexual identity and/or gender identity affect homelessness? How do you reach people from different identity and get them help or support? Are you aware of different levels of support in urban or rural setting?
How does homelessness affect one sense of self?
3) Homelessness and minority groups
There is an increasing number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, can you tell me what is the role of identity, especially sexual identity in the management of homelessness?
What are the challenges for minority groups in homelessness?
Why do you think there is an increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
How does space affect one’s identity?
What makes sexuality a taboo in the management of homelessness?
What do you think homeless shelters can do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Do you think people working with homeless people need to be trained about the role of identity of homeless people?
4) Homeless perception
Can you explain how you think the public perceive homeless people from a different sexual or gender identity?
From your point of view, what do you think is needed to integrate homeless people from minor identity in the management of homelessness?
5) Summary
Sum of the key point of the discussion topics.
Further comments?
6) Conclusion
· Thank the participants for their contribution to the interview.
Remind participant that they will be sent a summary of the interview and will be asked to comment on whether this is a fair and accurate reflection of the session. Participants will also be reminded that they be able to provide further comments
Appendix 2: Letter of invitation
Dear Participant
I am a Ms Jewel Campbell, a student from the University of Derby. I am conducting a research project as part of my final year independent study for my BA in Global Development with Dance movement. The project aims to understand people perception and identity of homelessness.
This interview asks questions about the main perception of homelessness and how people perceive homeless people. This will enable me to identify if the public perception of the identity of homelessness is a reflection of the official statistics.
The interview will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete, all answers are confidential. The results will be presented anonymously; individuals will not be identified in any way in written reports.
Whilst, I cannot guarantee that the project will help you as an individual, I hope that this research will help me to gain a better understanding of how the public perception of homelessness is created and how identify can influence how people react to the problem of homelessness. Thank you for your cooperation.
I understand that the data collected in this research is associated with exploring the issue of homelessness identity. This is the legal basis on which we are collecting your data and while this allows us to use your data, it also means we have obligation
Appendix 3: Consent form
Title of research project: How can homelessness affect one’s identity
Principal investigator: Jewel Campbell
This interview is being conducted in support of a research project being conducted by Jewel Campbell in fulfilment of her undergraduate degree at the University of derby.
Please read the following and sign.
· I have received and read the Participant Information Sheet;
· My participation to the survey is entirely voluntary and I understand that I am free to withdraw from this research up to two weeks after the completion of the interview. Please note that a decision to withdraw or not to take part will not affect participation in future studies.
· I understand that the data from the interview will be kept for the duration of the study and the data will be stored safely in password-protected databases to which only the named researchers have access;
· I am aware that my personal information will be kept confidential;
· I understand that raw data files from the focus group will be kept for six years from the end of the study. At the end of the study, the data will be safely destroyed by shredding or permanently deleting them;
· I understand that data will be anonymised and that participants will not be identifiable in any written reports;
· I give consent for anonymised data to be used for publications;
· I agree that the anonymised information I provided can be used for publication in print and electronic media. Please note that all such publication is strictly anonymous and you will not be identified.
Tick the box if you consent to the above:
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Appendix 4: Debriefing
Thank you for completing the interview for this research in the present study concerning the effects of homelessness of one’s identity. The study tests whether sexuality and race can also be a factor for this sensitive topic. Your participation in this research project is completely voluntary and will only be used for the principal investigators research. You have the right to withdraw from the interview up to two week after completion of the interview and this will not affect your future participation in research. If you want to withdraw, please email your unique identifier number to the researcher (j.campbell1@unimail.derby.ac.uk).
Again, thank you for your participation in this study. If you have any friends or acquaintances that are eligible to participate in this study, please send them the link. Please remember that this research is personal so please do not discuss your answer with others, especially if they are willing to participate in the interview and have not yet done so. I greatly appreciate your cooperation.
If there is anything you do not understand about the survey, please contact
Appendix 6: Interview transcripts
Participant 1: Interview transcrip
Jewel:
Hello, Participant 1. Hi hello how are you?
Participant 1:
I’m good.
I’m good. How are you? Yeah. How was your lecture?
Jewel:
It was good. It was very good. We talked about human trafficking today. And it was Very interesting. But, yeah. It was great. It was good. Thank you. was it Annabelle’s lecture. Yes, it was actually. Yes. ah Great. So let’s get started shall we. Thank you for participating. This project is literally for my independent study. It’s for my independent study. At university. So I’m looking at homelessness and seeing how topics such as sexuality, age, gender can affect like you being homeless and seeing how it can also be an effect of you coming out of homelessness. So thank you so much for participating. Also, do you agree to treat what we are discussing in this interview as a private conversation?
Participant 1:
Yes. Yes,
Jewel:
lovely. And do you agree to use your own words in this when you answer the questions?
Participant 1:
Yes, of course, yes.
Jewel:
Lovely. And do I have permission to record?
Participant 1:
Yes, that’s fine.
Jewel:
Great. I feel like we can get started. OK. So the first question I would love to ask you is can you talk to me about the homeless situation in the U.K., in particular, the management of homelessness?
Participant 1:
So, yeah. Well, I think that, um. That the homeless population that is seen is much smaller than the actual homelessness problem. By that I mean that the people who are street homeless and that people can see it when they’re asked about in the street. It’s just a really small proportion of the people who are actually homeless. You know, by that, I mean there are lots of women who are maybe sofa surfing or domestic kind of, what’s a better term. Might be kind of providing childcare or domestic help. And those that don’t have a home. And then, you know, I think there is two types of homelessness visible and invisible homeless And. And there are people who might be kind of sofa surfing or. By that, I mean, you know, staying on friends setty or then staying with another friend. So I work with st mungo’s so I’m aware that there has been a move, you know from traditionally bringing people in in any kind of shelter well recently, any kind of shelter is better than being on the street. And certainly there is a move and has been for a long time a move to everybody having, you know, their own front door. Having this could secure space that they can call their own and A relatively new for the UK anyway. It’s housing first kind of venture where rather than people working through and kind of earning credits if you like, going through hostels and then different kinds of levels of support. You know, people come straight off the street, essentially have their own flat. It’s permanent. And then we wrap services around the individual. So it’s really really tailored to their needs and helps people in the complex. You know, people with, I don’t know if you know the term complex needs. But a lot of our clients have not only kind of mental health issues, but also substance use issues. So that might mean for complex needs that they might have a learning need as well as mental health issues as well as a physical health issue. Yeah. So, yeah, I think a lot of people who are homeless have issues with mental health. I mean, if somebody’s been homeless for a long time inevitably have poor, poor physical health as well, by being on the street. No way. Yeah. I think there’s lot’s more to say about that. But also, I think there’s a lot for people who are kind of sort of homeless have, really bad experiences with education and have been systematically let down by lots of different, you know, agencies. So, you know, maybe they didn’t get on well with school, maybe they don’t fill very confident filling in forms, maybe then they don’t feel that they can apply for a job. All that kind of stuff is a really, really difficult circle to be in.
Jewel:
Yeah. And you’re welcome. And why do you think this is most common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 1:
5:38
Well, I should think it’s because of the difficulty of getting into the housing market anyway, because, you know, to get your own place, it’s extremely expensive. I know. So, you know, they could be living at home with their parents and then they have a falling out. So that when they are old enough to be independent and living on their own, agencies tend not to look after them. And also, families think that they’re old enough to look after themselves.
Jewel:
How do you. I didn’t. How does identity such as sexual identity or gender identity affect homelessness?
Participant 1:
I think a lot of family relationships break down when people when young adults discover that they are that they have an identity that doesn’t fit with the family dynamic, which very much they may come out being gay or bisexual or transgender and if the family are not supportive of that then. that can cause a huge risk. And yet that can that can. Lead to homelessness. Yeah, It could easily do that.
Jewel:
How do you reach people from different identities and get them help and support?
Participant 1:
So I think. I can only speak for st mungo’s because that’s where I work in but you know we have outreach workers. So we would and we have people who go out and find people who are in the streets or vulnerably Housed, and then that’s equal access to everybody. But in st mungo’s we have lots of assessment support groups. So, you know networks, So then once somebody is in st mungo’s, they might have access to different kind of support groups or whatever. I mean in day centres, which tends to be kind of open access so that people can come in and have meals or whatever. It’s usually information about different networks. Such as LGBTQIA, a network that people could attend. But unfortunately, things like houses because there is. One project that I’m aware of within st mungo’s London anyway that is an LGBTQ house, which is specifically for people with gender identity issues or maybe they’re transgender. Maybe they’re transitioning, maybe. But, you know, it’s incredibly hard to get into it. It’s hard to get hold of them. So, I mean, sometimes st mungo’s have protected addresses anyway just because. So, for example, womens only projects you can’t find the address of the that just because to protect the people who are there. So it might be that it’s because of that, you know, to protect the people who live there.
Jewel:
And my next question. And how does homelessness affect one’s sense of self?
Participant 1:
It’s about the whole identity thing and parents and stuff and how that affects one person.
Jewel:
But how do you feel that homelessness affects one person?
Participant 1:
I mean, that’s a massive question. Thanks for your question. I think it’s I think it’s it can absolutely shatter somebody’s sense of self and identity, because to be honest a lot of people stop seeing the person and the strength and see that person as the biggest thing, which is, oh, you don’t have a home rather than I know your really good at singing or, you know And actually when you’re in survival or so your familiar with the hierarchy thing you don’t have the very fundamental layers of shelter, food It is really difficult to express and explore the entire thing I think if somebody is homeless, they are just in survival mode? And so, you know, people have spoken to me about forgetting that they could do this. They forgot that they could play the piano, they forget that they enjoy reading. For The longest time they are just trying to find out where they can stay for the night or what They are going to eat or You know, people have become wrapped up in substance us an addiction. You know, that takes all their energy. There is nothing. There isn’t time or energy available to do anything else. Yeah. Yeah. Homelessness as an umbrella term. As an umbrella thing. They can remember that mental health or addiction or anything like that. It’s kind of all a really kind of meshed picture. Yeah. That all takes up so much energy that people kind of don’t have the energy to think about who am I? What do I want to do? What can i do? What am I good at? how can I progress?
Jewel:
Well, you know, it’s so true. I did like a work shop, a range of workshops. And when I was back in college at the crisis centre in London and we were working with some participants and they weren’t so talented, like some of them were like amazing actors. Some of them had so many skills and like talents. And I was just like, it’s so crazy how like this this one thing can really, like, change a person’s life around and make them feel like they pursue that that passion and that talent. And I think that’s just like the worst thing. Yeah.
Participant 1:
That’s beautiful that you experienced that. And part of the joy of working people who have had this great big blow to their self- confidence is slowly picking up the pieces again, you know, with a secure base. Helping people access things like a gp and all sorts Yeah, once you’ve done that, then you can start working on things like, oh, you know, do you fancy trying a crossword. I used to do work for the recovery college and we did things like writing radio plays together and, you know, getting people keep their voices recorded and, you know, just think creatively to help people kind of boost their confidence. Everybody, is an individual, say what works for one person. might absolutely put somebody else off.
Jewel:
Thank you. And so there’s a next question. This is just based on homelessness and minority groups. So, you know, as you know, there is an increasing number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Could you tell me what is the role of identity and especially sexual identity in the management of homelessness?
Participant 1:
So we all staff in st mungo’s are trained to be inclusive or to be, inclusive as possible, to use language that is inclusive and non-derogatory towards any any, you know, any minority group, either racial or sexual identity group. They’re strong, respectful networks. And we have lots of events. So I think I mentioned to Annabelle about it. You know, this is actually LGBTQIA Awareness Month. In st mungo’s. So there are lots of events going on. I mean, pre covid times. We would of had celebrations. And staff in every project but at the moment it’s all very much paired down There are things like an online. Art groups, or counselling, tax groups just specifically during this month, just in case or not in case. But just to kind of provide extra support. And I know that managers make a very strong effort to publicise this thing that is run by the LGBTQ. Network. And we have some client involvement in sort of everything that we do at anyway. But there are strong policies to prevent any kind of racist or homophobic language here.
Jewel:
Yes. Lovely. Thank you, So what are the challenges for minority groups in homelessness?
Participant 1:
I think the fact is, however much we say that people are welcome to express themselves and obviously people are. Well, you know there is still the sense of not fitting in. You know, where is my crew kind of thing? So, you know, within this organisation houses, you know, sixteen hundred people every night it might be that the one person who identifies as transgender in a project of like. You know, 20 other people. The only person in that project, I feel like, you know, feels isolated by the whole organisation, you know, If we could get people together to network and they would feel a bit more part of a bigger picture. We offer access to support groups and counselling and things like that. Firstly it’s pretty hard to access that stuff if it’s free. Secondly, you know, it’s hard to access it for the first time. It’s something that you’ve lost your home over or you’ve lost your family. You know theres a lot of support that’s required around just getting use to accept themselves for who they are. You know, not everybody is really comfortable with who they are, and that’s what we need to do. Again, it’s meeting everybody where they all on that journey. Yeah. We have a client who Cross dress, which is, you know, he use to wear very provocative womens clothes. Yeah. And as a tall Asian guy. And then he was fine actually all of the residents were fine with the fact that he use to wear women’s clothes. He wasn’t comfortable himself wearing that. So he was actually quite provocative in the sense of saying do you think I look good in this , you know he was seeking for some kind of acclimation from people who kind of, you know, he would some attention to himself where people. Yeah. Yeah.
Jewel:
I think that it kind of ties into my next question. Like, how does space actually affect one’s identity
Participant 1:
like he’s in this new space where he’s not familiar with it from his previous space and he kind of needs something to fill or comfort his identity i don’t know if that makes sense. But I think, you know, I’m talking about how space actually affects one’s identity. Yeah. I mean, I think on a very surface level we have, for example, we have a LGBTQ flag of inclusion in our reception and we have a table cloth in the main room with Rainbows on it. And I mean, that’s a really basic kind of take towards the fact that we try to show we’re inclusive. I mean, our manager is gay. And so she is always talking about difference and identity. And It’s all very possible to talk about it. In any kind of racist or homophobic language is stamped on really quickly. And I would say that actually a lot of our clients are very politically correct, actually. So because I think they’ve experienced living in hostles or accommodation where, you know, it’s really, really important that people don’t feel victimised where they live at home. So I think, you know, speaking on a more personal space, kind of level. everybody in our project has their own studio flat and everybody within mungo’s. Has their own room, at least the people are allowed to decorate, or. Not decorate fully as in paint the walls, but they can make it their own Yeah, So where we might have some neutral duvet covers or whatever. If somebody expressed a preference for a particular colour, we would do our best to do to to, you know, make it. Yeah. Yeah. Personal to them cause that’s as much as we can do. Really. I know very. But you know, it’s a one size fits all kind of provision.
Jewel:
What do you think makes sexuality its taboo in the management of homelessness? like not every homeless shelter and organisation is inclusive of different sexualities.
Participant 1:
Well you know that’s news to me cause mungo’s is very inclusive but you know I mean, I guess I guess that it’s based on maybe like face to face homeless provision. Possibly. I don’t know. Anyway, if that’s your experience, then. repeat, the question please?
Jewel:
What makes sexuality a taboo in the management of homelessness?
Participant 1:
Well, I don’t think it is a taboo no I don’t think it is. I think from my experience For more it is than it’s not I know certainly my staff find it harder. That Somebody has or if any of our clients have sexual relationships with other people whether that be same sex different sex whatever, Just the fact that somebody who is in an addictive you know has an addiction in their life. Is now having a relationship. I think that brings up a lot of problems. But I don’t know I think that if it’s a homosexual relationship or, you know, I don’t think that per say is a problem.
Jewel:
OK. And why do you think homeless shelters could do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 1:
I think employ staff who reflect those identities. You know, just so that the staff team reflects the population that we serve. Yeah. I think I think possibly my experience of it being very LGBTQ+ is being very open and, Fine to talk about it because, you know, because our staff team talk about it all the time, cause our manager is gay and talks about it all the time. And it’s all fine and normal. I should imagine if you have a completely know, special team, maybe it it becomes the other topic for conversation. But I would be surprised if anyone in st mungo’s said it was a taboo subject.
Jewel:
Well, And do you think people working with things people need to be trained about the role of identity of homeless people?
Participant 1:
Oh, absolutely. I think yeah, I, I think I did a project with with people at recovery college talking about homelessness. What do you want children to know about homelessness, And however much we try to get to the bottom of it, so from the clients. They were saying people who are homeless and not how the public sees them their not You know, the old man sitting on a bench. But that’s what the clients felt. That was the public perception of homelessness. It’s very Far from that. However, when we tried to draw the person, the character of our children’s story, they all drew a homeless old man, you know, or an old man sitting on a bench. You know, I think it’s exactly the stereotype you’re trying to break, right. So I think there’s a lot to do not just within the staff team, but the staff, but also within the wider society today you know, homelessness could happen to anybody right particularly after a pandemic where peoples job security is not secure Yeah. Yeah. And basically, most people are two pay cheques away from being homeless. You know, I think that’s the reality. And, you know, I think time and time again. And, you know, I’ve worked with volunteers and they’re really surprised that somebody who is say well-spoken or dresses politely Or has a mobile phone or, you know, has a family is homeless, you know. There is a lot of work to be done. But I’m sure that there is more to be done for minority groups as well. To have specific support, but I think is a huge piece of work.
Jewel:
Why do you think there is an increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
Participant 1:
Well, probably because there’s a greater awareness of people who are transgender. Maybe more access to. I mean, maybe if we are talking pre and post op transgender just identity. I mean, it’s more recognised. People are more able to say that that’s how they identify. Yeah. You know, I, I mean, unfortunately, it’s still really difficult for a lot of people to understand and I can imagine how that could easily be the cause of family break ups, relationships break down and. Yeah, I think I mean, I think that it’s also I should imagine I know a lot of people who identify as transgender. Don’t feel that they fit into like a woman’s only hostel? I couldn’t, you know, would they be welcome? I don’t know. At what stage would they be. Pre or post. Also, I mean, unfortunately, a lot of people who identify as transgender. Have had horrific experiences and actually don’t feel that they would be safe in a shared environment. Yeah, like a hostel environment. You know, that might be part of it. As well as the fact that there isn’t like a place where not everybody identifies as transgender. Yeah. That’s for sure.
Jewel:
great. These are like. The last couple of questions. And this is this on homeless perception. Can you explain to me how you think the public perceive homeless people from a different sexual or gender identity?
Participant 1:
So I understand. So how do we perceive how people perceive it?
Jewel:
How do how does the public how do you think the public perceives homeless people of a different sexual or gender identity?
Participant 1:
I don’t know why people might think, oh, maybe, if they look at somebody and. they look as if they are gay or transgender, if they all. That’s obviously why that relationship. You know why they are homeless. I don’t know if that’s how people would react. I don’t know, yeah that could be a perception that I feel like there are people that think that because it may not be allowed in certain areas, that they they go into you, or, in places that related to you and say that could happen. That could be a possible thing. But, yeah.
Jewel:
So thank you. I know you did. And from your point of view, what do you think is needed to integrate homeless people From the minor identity in the management of homelessness?
Participant 1:
I think that all kind of different divisions of minorities should be reflected in whoever is coming out to access Or trying to help with the homeless population access services so be that outreach workers or hostel workers or medical professions you know, all they should be. Every kind of person, every, you know I’m using the wrong language But, you know, so everybody should be visible so that people in need can reach out. OK. So somebody I identify with is working in a position of power. And so I feel like I can go somewhere, that’s somebody I can aspire, be or that their kind of implicitly on my side without ever having sides drawn. And, you know, I think it’s very important that people like identify with people that they recognise that are like themselves.
Jewel:
Yeah, that is actually all the questions. that’s great. Thank you so much. Do you have any further comments. Anything you want to add.
Participant 1:
I think it’s brilliant. I don’t think it’s I mean, it get some expanding the opportunities.
Jewel:
If you have any other questions or can I say please, please feel free to give me a call.
Participant 1:
I mean, I think just about it. And if you do anything was unclear or I could not properly then get back in touch.
29:34
Jewel:
No. Definite. I mean, because I mean, I’ve got another number now, actually. Yeah, that’s fine. Well, yeah. Thank you so, so, so much, Participant 1. Yes. Yes. There will also be a summary of the interview that I will send over. And you are able to comment on anything if it’s fair and accurate and an accurate reflection of the interview. And yeah, that that’s literally it, Yes. Thank you again so much for that.
Participant 1:
But good luck. With you’re finding. Yes. And you know, you have a lovely evening.
Jewel:
Thank you. Bye.
Participant 2: Interview transcript
Jewel:
Hello can you hear me. Hi, Participant 2. How are you?
Participant 2:
I had to make sure I didn’t miss your call.
Jewel:
Oh, okay. What were you out?
Participant 2:
I was out shopping and I gotta hurry up and. Get back. I’ve literally just ran for the door. Oh, no.
Jewel:
Oh, my goodness. Do you need a minute to like prepare yourself? And everything or are you okay to still go now.
Participant 2:
I’ll be okay.
Jewel:
OK, lovely. Well, first of all, thank you so much. for taking part in this project. It really means the world to me. And and I just wanted to explain to you about the project. Just a little bit about it. And so it’s for My independent study for my course at uni. And I’m just looking at how sexuality, age, gender, race, ethnicity can affect you being homeless and can also affect you coming out of homelessness. So that’s like literally, the overall idea of the project. Just one thing. Do you agree to treat. What is discussed as private.
Participant 2:
Yes.
Jewel:
Lovely.
Participant 2:
I’m not going to give no names.
Jewel:
OK. OK, great. And you are able to use your own words and there are no wrong or right answers. And do I have permission to record. Yes.
Participant 2:
Yes,
Jewel:
OK. Lovely and great. Yeah, that’s actually it. So you okay to start off with the first question then. All right, great. OK. So could you talk to me Participant 2 about the homeless situation in the UK?
Participant 2:
Hello. Hello. Could you could you hear me?
Jewel:
Yeah. Could you talk to me about the homeless situation in the UK and in particular the management of homelessness?
Participant 2:
Can I tell you about the homeless situation in the Uk?
Jewel:
Yeah, and in particular the management of homelessness.
Participant 2:
In my opinion there are two levels of homelessness. There can be homelessness with substance abuse issue and there’s going to be homelessness with no mental health issue. And in my mind, my organisation that I work for, they focus on those two have drinking drugs, the mental health issue. And I feel that the other part of homelessness that Is not being dealt with to good. so many people are losing jobs. Yeah. And they are gonna lose their homes. They’re going to be on the street. Renting in your 30’s. It’s really not easy to get into. And I’m very worried for those people. Cause theres not much out there. not much help for them.
Jewel:
Yeah. Okay. And why do you think it is common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 2:
Why do you think young adults become homeless? Yeah, I believe it’s to do with the government. They don’t want to pay housing benefit and for those younger than 35. They would only pay for them to be in a room. Also, it could be so many factors at home. That could lead them to be homeless. Theres no support It’s also people who are in the care system. who don’t get support once they reach 18. They have too much People like that as well. Children run away from home for all sorts of reasons. There’s so many. Variations of why children leave home very early.
Jewel:
OK. And how do you think I or how does identity such as sexual identity or gender identity may affect someone being homeless?
Participant 2:
Definitely. It is, there are some families who cannot adjust to that vision, it can scare them. you know, some children may not feel comfortable revealing this to their parents. Yeah. You know, there’s all kinds of factors and. So it means. It’d be nice if there was a specific project set up. to help people with gender issues or exploring their sexuality and, you know. It would help if there was enough support systems put in place or places that they could just go and just have a conversation. I mean, there’s lots of people who want to change their sex, they just don’t know where to go for support. They may talk to their gp about it and be mogged off, not taken serious there’s so much And as usual, there’s not enough business support, I’ve actually experienced trying to find support for a client And, you know, we found places. You know, we found online, so we rung up sermon on why you should not, you know, well, do the little thing. It was set up, but mainly funding ran out. it’s really quite challenging to find people with gender issues The Correct Support much less when they’re homeless. OK.
Jewel:
And are you aware of like the other levels of support in the U.K., not just from your organisation?
Participant 2:
I’m Not really aware. unless I’m looking for it at a particular time. Then I’m not going to be aware of it. OK. OK.
Jewel:
And how do you your organisation, how does your organisation reach people from different identity and get them help or support?
Participant 2:
I’m going to be honest. I understand there was a project but it wasn’t very well publicised for like myself, a project worker, maybe managers were aware of it, but I myself was not aware of it. Only When a client came to our project that had those types of problems, that I became aware. But then there was the issue of they are not in the right borough to access that service. All I know is that we have these boundaries You are in the Lambeth borough. You are in the southwark borough. You are in the hackney borough. You are in islington, you cannot crossover so easily, sometimes with an exception it can be done, but not all the time because you have to have a thorough connection. So how does that work When someone is homeless on the streets and it’s a borough system, what happens is they may be picked up. They may be temporarily put into a project, that they found near the area where they’re picked up. but then we have people called reconnection workers, too. Who Will try and reconnect them to the original borough that they was from. You have to be I think it’s like six months in a borough before, they can legally say you have a connection that’s my understanding, don’t quote me. That’s My understanding.
Jewel:
And how do you feel like homelessness affects one’s sense of self?
Participant 2:
They must be traumatic. Yeah, it must be deeply traumatic. You know, your home is your, you know, your sanctuary and to lose that. To lose all of your personal belongings. To be left out on the street, people walking past you. It’s hard, it’s soul destroying. It’s absolutely soul destroying. You know, I know I sometimes think how I would survive. I get to realise like how some people who become homeless end up. Drinking alcohol or taking drugs as a way of coping. It is really, you know. It’s horrible. You know, it’s nice when other organisations will go out and provide outreach and help them get into projects. But not everyone wants a hostel. Well, you know, some people just want to go straight into a rented room Or some kind of temporary accommodation, accommodation. But there’s never enough.
Jewel:
Enough. there’s never enough room did you say?.
Participant 2:
Accommodations. Yeah.
Jewel:
OK. Is that OK, OK. And I’m pretty sure you might be aware of the increase in number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ plus community. Can you tell me what is the role of identity, especially sexual identity, in the management of homelessness?
Participant 2:
You to repeat that question. Isn’t that a challenging question?
Jewel:
Yeah that’s fine like it even could have anything to do with the workers of that homeless organisation that you are part of. And how do you do with people whose sexual identity. Like, yeah, just things like that. Like what is the role of sexual identity in the management of homelessness? Is it treated? Is it looked after?
Participant 2:
Yeah st mungo’s has groups. Yeah. Yeah, that is a very supportive and no discrimination. In that aspect, there’s a support group, there’s a diversity group there’s a black an ethnic minority. There’s Irish, you know, group for gays. Lesbians, transgenders, there’s support groups about within our organisation that. in terms for a client. I have to look into that again. OK. Do you feel like it’s like that with other organisations. I can’t say, I’ve been with st mungo’s for like 20 years. So I don’t really know about other organisations. Oh, but I do know st mungo’s are very good. Yes, lovely.
Jewel:
And what do you feel like are the challenges for minority groups in homelessness. What do you feel are the challenges for minority groups in homelessness?
Participant 2:
Well, you know. There’s just you know the sort of cultural aspect. in terms of support, you know, I’m not Asian, so I can’t understand how. A homeless Asian person would feel. You know, they’re not with their family. Their culture is very family oriented. You know, so it’s nice to know that there is someone who is Asian who could relate. To them, there’s all kinds of things It helps You know if there is a range of different cultured members. To link in with other cultures who are homeless. But saying that It’s quite fascinating to see which cultures are homeless and which are very limited in homelessness.
Jewel:
I mean. And what have you noticed like what cultures do have like a high level of homelessness?
Participant 2:
It could be in the west Indian, Caribbean. Definitely white, Irish, Scottish, english. We do see some Asian clients, muslim background Yeah. But not there’s not that many clients, in proportion to the other races. Yes, chinese. Well, allow you may come across a Chinese homeless person, it’s mostly British black. Yes. One thing I do come across is a jamaican. An actual person from africa. Wow.There’s not that many. But there are black people but there are British black. Oh, OK. That’s interesting. There are African people in proportion In general proportion to the rest of the clients, there are a few.
Jewel:
OK. Why do you feel like there might be an increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
Participant 2:
Okay. Yeah, that’s all good. All right. So where were we?
Jewel:
We were talking about transgenders and homeless count increases. And did you. Wait. Did you finish your point? Remember, I think. Yes. Yes. Yes. OK. And so how do you feel likes a space affects one’s identity.
Participant 2:
A space. It depends how safe you feel within that space. And, you know. You know, you could be homeless and be put into a project where it’s, you know. Macho males. And you may be someone who’s who wants to explore. Changing your gender. You’re not gonna feel comfortable dressing. How you’d like to dress, So it depends on your environment. You are right. But if you’re in your own environment. then you can do as you choose. But you know you’re homeless and you’re in a project. We did have one client who was going through such, and he felt at ease. To dress as he choose and wear makeup and nail polish as he chooses. And it was tolerated by others. So it just depends on who was there at the time. In it, I think more people are becoming tolerant But there are some people who will never be tolerant.
Jewel:
What do you feel like makes sexuality such a taboo in the management of homelessness.
Participant 2:
I don’t think it is a taboo in management. No, no, it’s not. We have some managers who have changed their gender and they have been accepted OK. within Mungo’s It’s not a simple subject.
Jewel:
OK. What do you think Homeless shelters can do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 2:
It’s really. Having the right staff. Who are tolerant Some people have a religion. That makes it a bit hard for them to accept. You know, people choose to be different. Yeah. And still of the same sex. You know, some people just cannot they cannot cross that. And I say that they stand to their religion. So it’s trying to. more training for Staff. My next question. The that all trickles down to making sure all the clients who come in. Tolerant as well and may be maybe we do a training for clients. It’s relational as well. That that is the way forward, actually.
Jewel:
That is my next question. Was you we’re gonna be. Do you think people working with homeless people need to be trained about the role of identity of homeless people?
Participant 2:
Yeah, I do. I do regular training as well. Not just one day here. yearly. So it really sinks in. because I’m going to be honest, the names are changing as well. Yeah, that’s that’s very true. Yeah. There’s so many. I’m confused. I am confused. I would like training on the terminology that’s out there so I can be up to date with that.
Jewel:
OK. And just the last two questions. Can you explain to me, how do you think the public could see her as people from a different sexual gender identity?
Participant 2:
Trying to remember one of our more lively clients. She, she had gender reassignment.
Jewel:
What’s the gender reassignment?
Participant 2:
Well, she she went to Bangkok and. You know, she had breast implants, her penis was removed was removed and she had a vagina made yeah, she was accepted but her behaviour. She did have a mental. Mental health issues said that people were accepting but her behaviour was not acceptable. So that’s where. Things fell down, but generally, you know. But she did get Some abuse as some could see that she was formally male Well, so she did get some abuse but generally people were accepting. Yes, she did. She did just get some abuse aswell. OK.
Jewel:
Thank you. So would you say I guess. Do you feel like people the public isn’t as accepting of people with mental health issues but are more accepting of people with different sexual or gender identity?
Participant 2:
Yeah. It depends. outside the pub, when they’ve all been drinking, no. No. So in a. It just depends where you are, what area you are, how how you approach people. It just depends. because people have mental health. They can be fine. But if you are a screamy shouty person with mental health people are. Not gonna accept that because they’re gonna be frightened. OK.
Jewel:
And just a last question, from your point of view, what do you feel like is needed to integrate homeless people and the management of homelessness? What do you feel like maybe management of these type of organisations could do to better help or support homeless people, get them a bit more involved and things like that? Is its training. And to get the clients more involved in management.
Participant 2:
Right. We do have volunteer programmes where clients themselves can train to be project workers. And train to be outreach workers. some have actually gone successfully through the programme And gained employment. So we do have those schemes as well. Oh, yeah. We Do have those schemes, It’s been a beautiful experience to see one of my former clients, turn into a colleague, really, Joy. And they are progressing to become manager. So it’s been a really nice experience to see that. Do something. I just had a thought now and may be like more meetings with homeless people and the management could be beneficial. And just because sometimes management could have one view of what’s been going on and their take on how well they’ve supported the part, the the people living a part of these organisations. And then, you know, some some of the homeless people that are the organisations could have a different thing to do for like meet more meetings and more to deal with. We are already doing that. OK. Each project in mungo’s. We have monthly lunches and meetings, residents meetings, and they are always feeding back to us how we can improve it. How we are doing well, What They’re not pleased about, we are forever doing that. We have climb involvement groups, to be in direct. And talk to the managers. You know, the upper managers of mungo’s that’s already taken place. I’m not Articulate, you know, but these things are already taking place. In the organisation. That was great.
Jewel:
Well, that was my last question. Do you have, like any thing else that you want to add any further comments?
Participant 2:
I don’t have all the names of each different group. so I could tell you that these things are always happening.
Jewel:
But that’s OK. That sounds great. Thank you so much, Participant 2, for taking part. This has been so fun. I’m just like I hope you enjoyed this interview as well.
Participant 2:
I definitely like it’s interesting. Is articulate. You have to express these things that I can say
Jewel:
Thank you so much again. I will provide a little summary of the interview and I’ll send it over and you can comment on whether like this has been a fair and accurate reflection of this interview. And you can also provide any further things could be difficult. The names, we can add them, and that would be great if you could. But if not, obviously it’s fine. But, yeah, that that is it. I hope you have a lovely day. And, yeah, I hope to talk to you soon.
Participant 2:
All right. Take care. And good luck with your interviews.
Jewel:
Take care now.
Participant 3: interview transcript
Jewel:
Hi. This is Jewel from yesterday.
Participant 3:
Hi.
Jewel:
How are you?
Participant 3:
Yeah I’m alright just getting on with some things I’ve been online.
Jewel:
Is this still a good time to talk.
Participant 3:
Yeah, sure.
Jewel:
OK, great. Well, thank you for taking part in the project. I’m actually doing this as part of my course for my independent study. I’m just looking at how homelessness and can be affected by sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity, things like that. And seeing if that can be an effect and of also coming out of homelessness as well. So that’s what today is about. And thank you for taking part and just a few things before we get started with the questions. Do you agree to treat what is discussed in this interview as private?
Participant 3:
Yep
Jewel:
Lovely. And you are fully welcome to use your own words.
And there are no right and wrong answers. And do I have permission to record?
Participant 3:
Yes.
Jewel:
Okay, great. So lovely. We will just get started then. And how is your day been, though, so far?
Participant 3:
relaxing. I’ve not been down to see my daughters yet. I’ll go down in a bit, just tryna set up some Toys and that. I give her presents on my birthday. I make things I like, I don’t like. Plastic and things so I make like. Always wonderful wooden toys. And that and now I’ve just made her this bed and things for a bunch of dolls, just some things
Jewel:
That is so sweet. So let’s just get started. into the first question. So my first question is, can you just talk to me about the homelessness situation in the UK?
Participant 3:
You mean my experience and how I see it?
Jewel:
Yeah. I can have your experience, which is also great, actually.
Participant 3:
Right. I say a logical point of limitless standard. Yeah. Right. So we’ll do that. So it makes it easy for both me and you to understand. Right I mean. So how do I see homelessness? That’s a very complicated question because the individuality, the reasons why there’s no housing, the reasons why there’s no money getting put into housing, the reasons why people have relative poverty and they’re not poor by any means. But when it comes to the rest of the world, it’s real. Yeah, people have mental health issues. People have been just. Destroyed since 2008 people have drug problems. There’s so many issues against people on the street. Now it is worse than ever due to some laws. That is like you know, straight up I mean, they increase the homelessness and wonder when they stop. The housing By 40000 If I misquoted. Yes, 40000, 13 thousand. in one day. Yeah
Massive numbers, right. Yeah. I noticed that that got people off the street. And then it’s like. The City of London allows jealousy. Allows all this illegal money coming into the city and then to clean it even more. The Rich people from all over the place buy all this land and properties and do nothing with it. then the people who live here can’t to live in cause the rents go up, or as soon as the rent goes up with one house, it’s a duplication and the council tax goes up. Yeah. And then there is gentrification there’s that too. Yeah. That’s a massive contribution towards homelessness. And would you like me to confine this to London or with the rest of the country. I mean, it’s the whole of the uk so yeah you can talk about the rest of the country. You look at a town where I come from, there’s no homelessness unless you want to be. There’s no unemployment unless you want to be. And they have the best school in the UK is second best and. You know what It’s a Academy. I come from the Orkney Islands. Yeah. That’s where I come from. And there’s many other things that are like that are around Scotland that are outside of say I mean I’m up there near Shetland, we’re different. But If you go to the islands in different areas in Scotland. The mining towns and stuff like that these don’t have the same problems of mining towns that are in the north of England and that. Yeah. They’ve recovered from all of that. I mean, that’s the difference between English law and Scottish law. Yeah. Yeah. That’s the way it is for that, it’s massive. Yeah. I mean this could, I mean we were shat on forever until the evolution of about to do so many policies. Yes. And I’m not a Scottish independence guy. I want to see Britain go that way. I’m not a nationalist. No, I’m not into that. I would put a uniform on again, join the army again and fight those nationalists because I don’t believe Scottish nationalism. Well, I think that’s the same as American exceptionalism. No, no, no they’re no. Different nationalism, is nationalism. their monsters yeah and that in it’s self, nationalism which breads the other which breads robust of homelessness. because it puts people over to the fringe and then their living in Slums with some dodgy landlords about, you know, again, they might get the shitty end of the stick. because of nationalism. And that would be oh this person. And Sometimes they just piss me off and that’s me being selfish, I’ve been on the housing list. Since 2004. And I’m still in a hostel. eight years I’ve been in here. They will tell you I am a model tenant, I’ve never missed a payment. Always keep everything on top. Right, people love. People have died in here and have brought a box up, people have ran into burning buildings, ran into knife fights and Guys have been stabbed twenty five times in the face and the neck and the mouth and everything. I’ve saved his life, another guy same kind of thing happened to his legs. I’d admit I was meant to be here for a 18 months. That was the law 8 years later I’m still here and it’s not because there’s no houses in london. Or Lambeth, and they refuse me a chain number all the time, I came from a squats. to the hostels when I left the army. Squatting is for war veterans not for just any person to come and live willy nilly. That’s why there’s legal books there, for guys coming home from war. And they didn’t have a home to go to you know. Oh, wow. And growing up in army, you can’t go home to the mother’s house. They join as a boy. They come out a man. Go. What have they got where have they got to go to and not their not feeding the homeless. We come out homeless. That was what came in the books and I started squatting when I came out. And I’ve seen great squats. And People just walk in and saving up to get a deposit on a place or people who have a delayed squats cause of the lifestyle Cause It was freedom and they became travellers. Or to a junkie scrap houses to mad punk houses, happy houses, political anarchist have a this plan. You know it’s a big thing in the squatting community and that you know. Yeah. I tend to hang around whoever my friends were. I did get involved in crack houses And all that side of squatting you know.
Jewel:
Well that’s interesting. I would have thought the government would have provided war veterans with homes but that’s insane. they don’t really take care of you then.
Participant 3:
they do not take care of us. They have recently started taking care of us I’m only saying recently, .
Well, I got engaged to the military a couple years ago for the first time. Five years ago, I was under the Armed Forces Programme. An organisation called Stall. They were a housing organisation along with. Complex native species. The people who’ve got no legs and no arms.
Now when I think of the army. And now they are accommodating Chelsea pensioners, because those rich bastards brought the Chelsea pensioners They done one Hyde Park. The lucky chelsea pensioners. Scattered them around hostels. Well Not hostels but army bikes are here for people.
Just just left the army but are still in the army are disabled. And from when I was starting going down there it was like younger people who were kind of still in and. Next thing i know I’m seeing a 103 year old lady getting push past in a wheelchair with 103 medals on her chair. then I find out she was a Chigwell war nurse in France and I’m like well what’s going on here. And then they told me yeah a bunch of Chelsea pensioners, are here. Who became homeless. And then around that point they took my funding. from me. Because I wasn’t living there. Yeah. I live here, obviously.
They signed a deal a contract. OK. And eight years later I’m still here. So I went through many avenues and I eventually people in here just kept pushing Me like just ask the army, just ask and I didn’t wanna ask them for anything so eventually I did. Oh, so I went through what I just tell you. And then, Boom, funding got cut. The guy was like he was the one that was helping with me and how to live her but he got all the help, He lost a job and other people who he was working with like me. Who was living there, they lost all that. one thing I got to keep was a film called a fighting chance. It’s for veterans. They want to motivate. I’m doing a grading thing cause I’ve been boxing for years, now with these people so sick of all this, just to get my mental health back and it’s working And I’ve got boxing. I’ve got a fight. Coming up, when covid finishes We call it boxing. I’ve got two fights sir. It’s gonna be on the telly and I’m gonna be coaching. Well, I do, yes. Thank you so much for that whole story. That has actually really shocks me. But let’s move on to the next question, because we’ve got a few. So why do you think it is most common for young adults to become homeless? Society is. Sick. That’s a fact. And you can read many forceable and English biologists clinical psychologist from Bartlett to Christian, a good amount to those like us. They’ll tell you that society being this you know, they will put us all in a box. And you can’t do that to the human and the human psyche. And yet we become jobs slaves. Everybody is on this kind of wage that is just not enough to get by. Manages to put us all in debt. education and all of these things. is a complete disconnect to how we know the natural way of being as a child. Right. And then we see that disconnect. But we don’t understand as a child. And then we come in adulthood and we all suffer from neurosis. And the ones on the street manage to get it the worse from the most dysfunctional of the family, and that. I mean, how many can you ask them? That have pictured them and guys, in prison that have suffered urination, plague of sexual or physical abuse, from when they were a child. Everybody knows this stuff. So that’s. And then this trauma later on in life, you see, like all the soldiers on the street. they shouldn’t really be on the street they are equipped not to be on the street, but also that occur to be on the street. They are on the street more than everybody else, men that descend into their alcoholism and drugs. Yes. And then there’s just the people. There’s the drugs. They get someone to speak to they are a chaotic lifestyle. They might be a chaotic abuser. Obviously, I don’t know. Because a drug addict can be functional. A chaotic abuser don’t you know, you won’t be able to pop your pills and things and that or your out. And now things like. And the house went up like so much in the past. For 8 ten years right is especially since they. Bought in no full evictions. Since they put that into law, that’s a biggie. Selling our land to foreigners for development, not promise, and all in a social housing. If that’s another factor side to say, for all this development. 20 percent is going to be for social housing. When It wasn’t a social housing development. No, should be maybe top floor for somebody who’s going to pay abit more rent or bottom floor no. Cause there’s a garden or something and everybody else pays social renting, right? Yeah. You know, I also believe this should be rent controlled, not already committed.
Jewel:
And how do you think someone’s sexual identity can affect them being homeless?
Participant 3:
Depends on the landlord and the parents. And the religion they came from. Yeah. If they came from a religious household massively because there’s been lots of mental health problems on them. because people persecute their own family or make them think they’re sick. And they and they think they can be cured. Idiots to think that that can happen then maybe go to a landlord that is conservative religious person. You know, I’m not going to rent to this bit of a derogatory word to come out for people who are different And. Guy, I do, I just I, I do know that there’s many, many, many, many, many association charities who give people who are gay houses before straight folks So that’s a thing and the council do that to. To meet numbers but it doesn’t work out it doesn’t. How doesn’t it work? How? They numbers don’t work out in proportion. You know, if you were to look at, I’m married to a gay woman. She got put into a hostel. very quickly and housed very quickly and all that. in the year 2000. So I think on Christmas night, we got married. she was in the hostel for gay people. Two thousand she got a temporary place on Vauxhall Bridge road for a few months. Then I would permanently see her on. finsbury Park she’s been there since. I came out a soldier and I’ve noticed. with a lot of my friends. That are gay and that. Yeah. They get an easier run than us? Yeah, they do then. Yeah. run. But not like have mental health issues and things like that. but other complications but they are running pretty straight like me, you know, paying bills doing things like running like a human normal citizen. They get an easier run. They do from Many, many organisations not in the private but all other organisations. All the charities and the council. But in the private no.
Jewel:
You obviously know that there is an increase in number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.
Participant 3:
But I also understand that there’s how many pronouns now. Yeah, there’s quite a few. Recently, people saying, you have to say, I am in this pronoun. And if you’re going to go along with that way or thinking. And before, they didn’t have that pronoun to describe yourself. Yes, true, my. I’m straight, but I’m queer straight. Hetro queer. Yeah. But that’s been around forever. Yeah, a. It’s. It’s a complicated issue that’s a really complicated issue because this is so new and it’s become so complicated. It’s been a mile end to the university and that and to ideology when it’s actually biology. You know, puts all of them into idealogues now, but this is all biology and things it’s about the body and the mind. That’s all connected should be able to find just the just acceptance. And there’s people I can understand and I understand it. All right. I have to look at the rest of the world cause we live in it. Yeah. Hi. Part of one Landlords. I’ll give an example, one person who’s like In his. 50’s even. A little quiet lifestyle and he stays in his home. He comes home. Read his stupid newspaper. Listens to radio. Goes to bed, wakes up. Doesn’t watch the TV. how is he supposed to know about things like that unless somebody comes around. Oh by the way, we identified myself as. Oh I can figure out what to be on online with coach fighting people that I teach self-defence. And they came through from the MMMA thing. So one may have been a man for 30 years and then became a fighter as a woman. How can that equate to 30 years on testosterone and two years on estragon. That lady went into the ring and cast rosed some people in wheelchairs and things. Yeah. So you know that thing is a bit difficult. It’s just such a complicated issue. I can’t expect all landlords to understand that. Right. So to keep it normal. Right. I can’t. Right. Queer describes all of us. Yeah. Yeah. Gay, straight, cis. This is very complicated. And the way They’re trying to force pronouns in law. That’s crazy. I am against it as a principle as an anarchist rush. Little bit leading towards a libertarian, but not free market libertarian. Right on a chip. Any real laws I expect to live in a community with other human beings. But amazingly and kindly, in no state your neighbours and humility, I don’t need the law to tell you to do that you don’t need it. They know this. I’m not why I don’t obey those laws. Why am I going to be one law that’s gonna confused me that’s never caused a problem before in my life. And I’m surrounded by and I’m the minority in fact I’m the minority when it comes to race, religion, sexuality and gender. all, my friends.
Jewel:
So my next question is, What, are the challenges for minority groups and homelessness?
Participant 3:
When I first came down here, I had a different kind of racism to me in Scotland, than I have here in England there is I very much seen the stereo type when I came down here, people say oh there’s the drunken irish, and I had a fight and Scotchman kind of thing. Racism is now that you understand these micro aggressions and racism and stuff this isn’t just a new thing to me, to learn the micro one. But theres bad ones as well. But there’s so many micro ones that I’ve noticed in my walks of life. But here in England it has been terrible many times. Yeah. And that’s kind of why people aren’t around People, I’ve been attacked on buses. Down here at the West End there’s been certain racism against me because of the way i act. And people so much simple ideas that are absolutely wrong about me. Just because the way I talk. Yeah.
Jewel:
Why do you think those increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
Participant 3:
Well. Have you noticed how polarised things are now between the left and the right. The left, is more extreme. And the right is more extreme. Theres your answer And. There’s a backlash against each other and the right is starting to come out with us. All right. Now, their coming out nasty. Nasty. Coming out. Militant and The left is coming out with this group. Forgetting in this country we’re sovereign and that’s in the law. The individual is more important to the group and that is the law. You know, you can’t start putting all this commune shit on us. they just can’t do that. And I know, right they Can’t put the fascist shit on us. Yeah. And it is those two that are making the life. Difficult for the rest of us. And in the middle, and the people who have these problems is because of the sexuality, gender. I think the right is reacting. They’re very reactionary at the moment because it seems the left is on attack. at the moment. And the right is on the defence at the moment. That would change. You know, as a seesaw goes back and forward. And. They’re not arguing about that in the moment their all arguing about individuality. Oh, It’s not. And on the left, it all comes down under one banner race, sexuality, gender, politics, economics. Everything yeah, yeah, and it’s getting all abit confused. Now on the right, they are reacting towards that in a brutal, nasty way that’s what they always do. I’m.
Jewel:
So would you say. I guess what would you say your final answer is to like the increase or transgenders then being homeless?
Participant 3:
I think it might improve. Depending on the next election. OK, but what is it like he was like cause of transgenders being homeless. Do you think What did the cause, you know, the cause of them actually being homeless is cause you are not the ones I’ve seen here. They’ve all had serious problems with crack cocaine. Okay. Yeah. Couple of them have died, too. Yeah. I mean, last Sunday somebody died. Jay tried to kill himself. Amy. Tried to do that often
Jewel:
And what do you feel like homeless shelters could do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 3:
I don’t think Inclusion is the way, I think if you were To go there’s a charity which my wife owns. She lives near You know black pat Butcher from eastenders? Oh, yes. She was a boss of open door stonewall And she was the boss manager of an actual hostel. The first place that my wife lived in. Yeah. And I think hostels like that. Cause they use to let me stay there. Let me sneak in. They even had like parties and stuff cause they acted like adults. You know, there is an island that we would be in. But there’s a. So imagine that you have a whole hostel and a party so there would be chaos? You’re allowed at places like that with responsible people. And I’ve seen at stonewall hostel. I mean, no other hostel, I’ve ever seen in my life. So you have to like put. Maybe kind of more hostels like that. But, perhaps now things have changed since then and that was in the late 90s. And now know the pronouns have came along. You know, people are identified as unicorns. Oh, yes. So that would mean a lot of money, a lot of hostels to put everybody who is the same into one thing. How could that be doable for the. There’s a way. but that’s a long, and We don’t have time for that. On the other side for the other people. For places like this. I have not. I have seen if there is. cause they’ve been out very quickly Residents that have said it To Other residents. One resident and one worker. You know what I’ve got a better idea. They shouldn’t put. Gender or sexuality on housing forms? Then they could never judge them on that. aswell. That’s another thing, like race shouldn’t be on there like trevor noah says when it came to nomadic he said that white. Black, other mix Race. He’s seen loads of mix race people who write down black and some put down. White. Jesus mix race is real Now, and the women in immigration she couldn’t argue with it she let them do that Yeah. So you shouldn’t, those things are stupid on forms. Yes. Yeah. Maybe there should be a thing done with it. Like the council, people think their gonna get some person see their name on a file. Just those council files until they move into the house they could have the name Anglicised. So they couldn’t be showing any prejudice against any fascist landlord. And they want us to forget we. can’t go back. Yeah. Once a year, they can’t go back and that’s it. Yeah, yeah, you can’t backtrack, those things are unnecessary on other forms, obviously, but to take that power away of that prejudice from. Landlords. Take that. Things off the form.
Jewel:
you kind of did talk about, like how someone, a certain space can affect someone’s identity or mental state.
Participant 3:
And can you give me one second, please?
Jewel:
What could you tell me? Maybe how being in the hostel has affected your identity. If it has.
Participant 3:
Yes, like stop me becoming a civilian from a source or a civilian. 8 years in here has continued my institutionalisation. Not a lot of my men. Are allowed to move forward, if it wasn’t for my boxing and my MMA. I can I do a little bit of working now and again. on the side. Cash in hand, just I don’t do it for the money I do it to keep my mind occupied. Yeah. So it’s my old business. That used to go on and I sold them the van off and I think it helps sometimes, because he’s got a bad arm and he can’t lift up things So I just do things like that and it gives me a couple of quid you know. So I just forgot the question you asked me. injuries. It happens alot.
Jewel:
And you basically answered that. can you explain to me how you think the public perceive homeless people that are a different sexual or gender identity?
Participant 3:
How can the public tell unless their on drag. Maybe, I guess unless they have a conversation with them. How do you think they may perceive that person I imagine The public would. give them the time. You know some of them would speak to them. But many, many more would actually show empathy. And then there’s those that would just attack them, nasty arseholes.
Jewel:
And from your point of view, what do you think is needed to integrate these people from a minor identity in the management of homelessness? That’s. So, like, what do you think? What do you think is needed to integrate homeless people and the management of homelessness. That sort of thing. What can they anyone do to connect the two, like maybe the management of homelessness may be quite. Not so great, but like homeless people need certain things that need to be put in place to help them. What do you think those things could do to connect the two to make things better? Not just the outreach workers would go straight to management.
Participant 3:
Do you mean outreach workers, do you mean a person on the street to talk to someone management.
Jewel:
I mean, that could actually be the thing. So, like having that conversation between the outreach workers and management, I guess, it could be things that might help integrate.
Participant 3:
Yeah, yeah. I think the process is. Right. you probably talk to four people before you talk to a person in management and them. Sometimes you may not talk to them. You might talk to one of them in an interview Yeah. And then the next day you might not talk to them. For a long time, it depends on the hostel, here is great. I was in lac in Stampfer Street and it had lots of problems.
Jewel:
Could you maybe discuss a few of those problems if you remember them?
Participant 3:
There was a Boy who cam in, right, he was 17 years old. He was downstairs in the suite predominate. Is a young black kid and you can see he was scared of being homeless. He was a mild minor. He was a geek. You know, he was cool. Yeah, usually. And he was like, I I’m not going anywhere and all that. And everything. And he just held up this plastic chair there and a different police. And I was I was there. They were going to arrest me and my dog because this was what they did One of the biggest policeman I’ve seen, oh, this guy was five times this boys body mass right and there was another six of them behind him, The guy was sitting down and he gave him the biggest overhand right to the boy sitting down on the cheek, the nose and all smashed his face on the side of his face. And he cracked his head off the wall. my dog jumped up immediately. He went to beat the copper and only scratched his back He pulled it and ripped it and that. Yeah. And now I like the bands and everything. And everyone in the breakfast room stood up like. What’s going on? The staff, came in they’ve seen it that for the first time. All the CCTV, wasn’t working. That was in like 4 days? They We will protect their arse to that extent to, like, they really will. After that they said they are not going to phone the police again. Thanks for that. Thank you. the police force them to do that. They used to have like a part time police fund. Who used to work in the money office as well. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It was so terrible and you that’s an assessment centre and they said they did and they put in people who are absolutely normal. Absolutely like because it’s the benefits and how it must be to get a house from the council. Yeah. Guys are maybe leaving school. Look, this is London. They get a little job. That little job is not enough to pay for a house. You don’t qualify for shit. So all you can do is go back on benefits and end up in the hostel where there’s drugs and violence and all that. Yeah. That should never happen if these people are coming up. No. No. Coming out of school in coming to. Maybe a bad family situation in the middle. They don’t drink why are they gonna Put them in a shit hole like that. Most hostels there’s no common sense in that I mean, they want people to come in hostels and make a sign a contract to better yourself and move on from whatever situation you’re in you know. Yeah, that’s the one with drug problems. I know. How can they do that if the person either side of them or in front of them. With crackheads and smackheads. You can never expect that to work. It’s like prison. We know prison doesn’t work. Right. Why. Cause you put them to work, yeah and they take away the liberty of people who absolutely hold. the freedom to make the point or do anything yet. The hostel system doesn’t work. And the money that the charity take home for themselves. The management, the bonuses, you know. Yes. They get a 3 Millennium wage and then they will get a six million bonus. What’s that all about you know, I mean, places like st Mungo’s, they have billions in the bank. I’ve been here, eight years. they could afford to do something for me right now, but yeah, I’ve been here eight years. So many problems. They go up and down the line. Look at all these charities and associations it’s a deep seeded financial corruption and the most financially corrupt. Police in the whole of the world. Absolutely. That was true. I know that stuff. And, you know, probably are corrupt in other ways. But the money machine in London. Are the most financially corrupt country financially. and planet, if it wasn’t for london we would be a third world country. You know, all these cartels from Mexico to put in billions into our banks, they don’t care
Jewel:
Thank you. This has actually been such so are insightful so thank you so much for participating.
I hope you’ve enjoyed and you enjoyed this as much as I have.
Participant 3:
I really have.
Jewel:
But yeah, the summary will be sent of this interview and you can comment on it and you can
save like what I’ve written is fair and accurate reflection of this session.
And thank you so much. Thank you.
Bye bye.
Participant 4: Interview transcript
Jewel:
Oh, my. Yeah. Did you get much done today? Oh, wow. Okay. I really feel tired myself to be honest. Well, oh, okay. Thank you for taking part in this project which is for my independent study for university. And I wanted to look at homelessness in the UK. Do I sound alright? Yeah. I feel like the line is breaking . Can you Hear me properly.
Participant 4:
Yes.
Jewel:
OK. Great, great. And just a reminder. Do you agree to treat What is discussed in this interview as private?
Participant 4:
Yes,
Jewel:
lovely. And erm, you are okay to use your own words and there are no wrong answers. And do I have permission to record this interview.
Participant 4:
Yeah that’s fine.
Jewel:
Oh lovely. Thank you, Participant 4. So the first question is, could you tell me a bit about homelessness in the UK? And that could just be your own experience or what you’ve seen.
Participant 4:
Well, you know, I was homeless for about 20 years. It was really bad in the 90’s in the middle east and in the 200’s upwards. I slept mostly in London. There was A place called Cardboard City. And. There was maybe a hundred. Over a hundred people sleeping there every night. Behind this hotel. But it’s Closed off, so nobody can sleep there anymore see. When did you know why it was called Cardboard City? Why? everybody would get a cardboard from a trunk and leave it there in the morning in big piles. For the council to come and collect. And some people would use to build little huts out of the carboard boxes. Cool. And do you think homelessness in the UK, is being managed well. Yes it’s better nowadays. There aren’t Too many people. It’s not as bad as it was 10 years ago
Jewel:
Why do you feel like it’s most common for young adults to become homeless. Why do you feel like it’s most common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 4:
Oh right. Breakdown at home No qualifications. Kicked out of home Oh, oh. They may have been in a childrens home until they were Old enough to leave. They just get kicked out You know, loads of people I knew were grown up in care or something.
Jewel:
How do you feel like identity, like sexual identity or gender identity may affect someone being homeless? So, like, do you feel like if someone had a particular sexuality or changed their gender.
Do you feel like it could cause them to be homeless?
Participant 4:
Well, yes it could yeah.
Jewel:
And how do you feel like homelessness has actually, like, affected you or and your character?
How do you feel like homelessness has affected you?
Participant 4:
Oh,it erm made me a better person. I think you know, it taught me lot’s of things About life.
Jewel:
And I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there’s an increase in number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ plus community. Do you feel like that community is being managed well in the homeless sector? Do you feel like they. That community has been managed well.
Participant 4:
People are taking care of them. They get the support. You need to support its. I don’t think it’s hard to house them either. I don’t really know
Jewel:
And do you feel like there are challenges for minority groups in homelessness?
Participant 4:
Yes. Cause most hostels won’t take them in unless they have citizenship
Jewel:
Okay. And, I’m not sure if you’re aware of the increase of light transgenders in homeless counts, but. And why do you feel like there might be an increase of transgenders in homelessness?
Participant 4:
I don’t know.
Jewel:
OK, no, that’s fine. And. And I mean, like you said already, am homeless. Being homeless is what she told you so much. Is actually. Made you a lot more confident. Do you feel like it’s affected your character? Like, do you feel like there’s anything else by it’s kind of affected in a positive or negative way?
Participant 4:
Well, I feel positive at the minute, I’ve been off the street since about six, seven years ago. I think that I don’t want to go back to the street. I don’t wanna go back, but when I lived on the street it was hard. People recognise me. Tell me oh. you used to be homeless in Waterloo or the strand, but yeah that’s about it.
Jewel:
OK. Do you feel like sexuality is a taboo in the management of homelessness?
Do you feel like sexuality isn’t really talked about in the management of homelessness?
So do you feel like people are quite open with it now?
Participant 4:
Yeah. People are talking about it more nowadays
Jewel:
What do you think homeless shelters could do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 4:
Accept anybody that’s homeless, Yeah. And like he was saying before about did this citizenship thing as well. I think that would definitely be helpful. Oh, yeah. They need to take in more immigrants
Jewel:
OK. And do you think people working with homeless. People need to be trained a lot more about the role of identity of homeless people so they can like.
Participant 4:
Yeah. My experience is. Being growing up in a hostel and that, you know, being in all sorts of hostels and that. The best staff to talk to are the ones who have been there themselves .
Jewel:
So. Oh, yeah, that makes sense. In what way has that helped to you?
Participant 4:
Trust them about more with things.
Jewel:
Explain to me how you think the public to see homeless people from a different sexual or gender identity.
Participant 4:
It could be 50 50 people could think weird, stupid How can People change their bodies like that.
Jewel:
And literally the last question from your point of view, what do you think is needed to integrate homeless people and the management of homelessness. So like meetings and more talks with people managing homeless organisations and and homeless people do feel like there should be more things like that.
Participant 4:
Yeah Should be more awareness. I’ve done a couple of interviews with some people than run other organisations you know they do do a good job but there needs to be more awareness. Do you mean more awareness of on the street people. There’s A lot of people that hide when they are on the street. So yes, the management needs to be.
Jewel:
OK. OK. OK. Participant 4, thank you so much. That was the last question. And do you have anything else like you want to add a of comments?
Participant 4:
Well, I never want to be homeless again Yeah, except.
Jewel:
How do you feel like it if it changed your life? Like, do you feel like it may have been something that kind of helped you in your life? Or do you feel like it was just something that just wasn’t good?
Participant 4:
Well I had lot’s of different experiences when I was on the street. Most of the time I was committing crime. Because of a drug problem, alcohol. And when I committed crime I ended up in prison alot. So one thing I did was get off the street and stay off the street because I didn’t want to go back to prison.
Jewel:
OK. Thank you so much for sharing that. I will send a summary of the interview and you’ll be OK if you want to add anything in and say. This was like a fair and accurate reflection of the session. And always you can have add anything more if you do need to. Well, thank you so much for participating. Participant 1 should be in contact with you as well about the voucher.
Participant 4:
Thank you alright.
Jewel:
You have a lovely rest of your day. Thank you. Bye.
Participant 5: Participant 5
Jewel:
All right. Well, thank you for taking part in the project. This is this project is actually for my university degree. I wanted to look at homelessness in the UK and how people are affected by homelessness and how sexuality, age, gender, race and ethnicity can affect you being homeless and can also affect you coming out of homelessness to that’s, like the project I’m doing. And it’s for my independent study. I just want there’s just one thing. Do you agree to treat what is discussed as private?
Participant 5:
yes,
Jewel:
Lovely. And you are okay to use your own words and there are no wrong answers.
Participant 5:
Well I’ll do my best.
Jewel:
it’s fine and do I have permission to record.
Participant 5
yeah
Jewel:
thank you.
Participant 5
I might be muffled because I have my mask on.
Jewel:
that’s fine, that is fine. Okay. Let’s get straight into it. Could you talk to me about the homelessness situation in the UK, in particular, the management of homelessness?
Participant 5:
Do you mean the swept and that or how it is for individuals to be on the street.
Jewel:
I mean, it can be anything that you want to talk about.
Participant 5:
It’s difficult for a lot of people to be homeless. For women it’s more harder because of what they go through. Yeah. You know, like their hormones. Yeah. Their periods. Blah, blah, blah. So it’s more difficult for them because if their homeless where are they going to go and have a little wash up or where can they get some stuff to support around that tampacs or tampons or anything like that, you know. And also, you know, if they’ve got if they’ve got kids and the kids are looked after by family members and stuff like that. And the shame that it brings on em. Yeah. You know what I mean, I supposed this is why they use cause it just muffles and all that but it’s difficult for everybody.
Jewel:
Yeah. Okay. And why do you feel like it’s most common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 5:
Because. Because of how they’ve been brought up in todays. World, isn’t it? Today’s world kids are a bit spoiled aren’t they, right? And then what happens is at a very young age, they get into all this stuff around drugs and selling or gang related crime, blah, blah, blah. And sometimes parents can’t cope. Oh, yeah. You’ve got abuse issues. At home, mums. With the boyfriend. Dad’s with the girlfriend. You know, and it’s all this underline abuse. Where it’s physically, verbally, mentally or whatever. You know what I mean, and they feel like they can’t reach out.
Jewel:
How do you feel like identity such as sexual identity or gender identity can affect someone being homeless?
Participant 5:
Say, for instance, if you’ve come from a cultured background. whether you’re Muslim. You’re black. Or whatever. Your Not always, you know, accepted, is it, So it’s it’s harder for them to kind of people. But I hope I don’t come across like judgemental or anything. I work with young young black men in gang related crime. And they’ve had to hide their sexuality because of the shame or you know, why he’s being Muslim and not accepted and he’s being kicked out or he’s come from a multicultural, his mums white or his dad’s black. It’s not fitting on this side then, you know, and the mom gets pressure or the dad gets pressured, you know what I mean. And it’s really hard for them to come out and express themselves. Yeah, no, I understand. You know, it’s like I mean, thank God it’s a lot better in this day and age because it’s become more accepted. Well, to be quite honest, I feel that women are more accepted than men, you know, because you still got that stigma. Yeah. You know, sadly, in today’s world, in 2021. We’ve still got racism. It’s horrendous. We’ve still got sexism so it’s still a bit tucked under. So them kind of issues will force a Muslim boy to go on the street or an Asian boy or whatever, a young black man or a young black girl or, you know, it’s really difficult for them to express themselves.
Jewel:
And how do you, like, reach people from different identities and get help and support?
Participant 5:
Yeah, and also. So, you know, I remember I was working with young people in Camden and there was a young girl and she was like 15. And she really, really, you know, she she was from a mixed heritage her dad was Jamaican and her mum was from Columbia. And then she was like, I should have been a boy, you know, and she couldn’t express that. I mean, when you look at her you could see, you know what I mean. But she just thought no one could see that. You know what I mean? Like, and I helped her. I helped to reach out and get her linked in to organisations and stuff like that to learn to except herself and then it’s all right to be the way she is. I mean, and then she has recently had a sex change, which was which is good, you know, and she got support to raise the money. But, you know, she had to live a certain way and prove that she really. Because when they’re young, they don’t feel in this country. I know America’s a little bit different, isn’t it? And I know that she felt that she she she she didn’t know where to get support. She’d never spoken to anyone about her sexuality. I mean, she was very shy. She’s very reserved. And it is like I said, it’s okay, that’s fine. And I’m pretty sure deep down I think that your parents know they just don’t say because you’ve not said but that lead her to run away from home because she was all confused. You not what I mean, and then, she ended up in a youth hostel and stuff like that. And she was like, you know, build it up, build it up. And then, like she said, it’s the first time she’s ever spoken to someone about her sexuality and so that she she she wasn’t judged you know, And then like also letting her know that she’s not the only one. Yeah. Because you do you you know, you always think your you know, deep down in your heart, to heart that you’re different from other people, you know, you know, there’s something different about you, but you can’t quite pinpoint it. And then if you’ve not got the support around it or don’t know how to express that, it’s very difficult. And then that led her to use drugs and and and, you know. Go on the street because, you know, she didn’t know where to express that.
Jewel:
Oh wow, and you talked a lot just then about the help and support that you gave. Are you, like, aware of the other types of support out there for people?
Participant 5:
With a different identity, The thing is, when I was younger, I, I. My brother was gay. So. So when I was younger, I wanted to help out in that thing. You know, they struggle. don’t they. So. So then I started to work in places where people had HIV and stuff. And get an understanding around that. And because it was, you know, known as the gay disease. So so I educated myself around that. And done a lot of support round that. And through that experience. Do you know what I mean, you know, through that experience, I learnt and then taught and new like links. So when when I come across young, young, young boys, young black boys or young, you know, Asian boy, whatever, I put the pin pointed them in the right direction.
Jewel:
And how do you feel like homelessness affects one’s sense of self?
Participant 5:
Well it does doesn’t it, it get’s you emotionally, physically, mentally. like because you are out on the street. You feel alone you don’t even notice other people, I mean, you could be around thousands of people and still be alone, you know that. So it affects them in a way. I mean, you know, like you can’t wash daily. You can’t look after yourself daily. Your health, your physical health goes down the ground, you know. You know, you might walk a lot of the time and you get something wrong with your feet You can’t, you know, you don’t know any links or reaches unless someone reaches out to you to say, let’s let’s get that seen to and they just get locked off, you know, like you know, people, you know, you must know people on the street begging have people walk past them like they don’t even exist. Yes. And it’s a part of all that and that brings on a little shame and they’re left out. So so when they do get reached out. You know, you’ve got you’ve got to get in the deep core of it.
Jewel:
Yeah. I mean. Yeah. Even yesterday I was I was walking and there was a man who was homeless and he said I was like the first person all day that just stopped to and actually spoke to him. Yeah. Listen to him. And I was like, there’s 24 hours in the day. Like, people are like they just don’t care. They just lock them off, like you said. But yeah, I, I do find it interesting.
Participant 5:
It’s like Like when I was in when I was working in Camden, there was some young people, and they was doing some survey. So what they did, they got a young man that had a banner on him and it said, I don’t want no money. I don’t. I don’t want to beg no money, no food. All I want is a hug. Yeah. Know he was dirty. He said I’m dirty and smell. But all I need is a hug. When I come out of the station, I read that. And I get worked up and give me a hug. Yeah, I know they they come out of no where and they went. Why would you do that. Why wouldn’t I do that. Another day. Why wouldn’t I do that. But you know a lot of people wouldn’t, I’ve worked for a long time and I, I kind of work with people that’s been down and out. That’s had nothing, you know. So, you know, to me it was nothing. To Other people is a big thing. Yeah. I mean, I guess that. But he he, the smile on his face, you know, I mean, But he couldn’t believe someone would you some someone that would just come out the blue and give him a hug, you know. But you know, that’s how it is you know, like you should have your brother on the street, your sister on the street, they could be so down and out you know, like especially with a man you get a beard and long hair and you wouldn’t even recognise them. You know he might look 60 and they might be 25 or 30 and people just walk past them, and that is embedded. And then that brings on the mental health as well cause their mental health goes sky high when they’re out there because their judged anyway. but they feel more judged anyway, they feel dirty they feel nasty. They feel left out, so it affects them in a lot of ways.
Jewel:
And as you know, there are an increasing number of homeless people who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Could you tell me what is the role of identity?. Especially Sexual identity in the management of homelessness?
Participant 5:
Well, I think it’s really hard for them to engage because they think people can’t understand. Don’t Understand, Yeah. I mean, it’s like helping them to get through this stuff. Like I spoke about that young girl, like, you know, and then, you know, they think people don’t understand them. You know what I mean, like, you know, people look at them as in different and they are judged automatically. Yeah. And they’re made to feel filthy and nasty. and that does them mentally anyway.
Jewel:
No, no, that’s fine. I mean, in terms of the management of homelessness do you feel like the organisation that you work with, manages different types of sexual identity quite well? Do You feel that there are things that you might want to improve?
Participant 5:
Oh, we do, we link them to services like if you need to educate yourself you link in to service to learn more and support them more don’t you you know, you kind of like just pinpoint them to the right directions to get the support needed. Yeah, I know it. You know, like all the drugs on the scene. I mean, then it’s linked to this sexual thing and then it’s like you know their judged by that and it’s like pinpoint in them in the right direction to sit in with people just like them who to get the support needed. Yeah. I mean, they know that their not on their own, you know, it’s just about educating yourself isn’t it. Why does he feel like that. Right. Why does he feel that he can’t strike up a relationship, why does he feel, you know, the way he does. And, you know, like when they’re on drugs and they numb out, and it’s just like just pushing it all down and it’s just trying to talk to them or link them in the direction. pinpoint them to the right service where they get the support needs around that.
Jewel:
Yeah. Okay. And what do you feel like are the challenges for minority groups in hopelessness?
Participant 5:
Well, you can’t say their all the same because they’re not they’re individual people. So it’s working with the individual and their individual needs and what they need. So it’s the same thing. It’s like pinpointing them in the right direction because it’s hard for different people, isn’t it? Yes, and what they’re going through. So I’m a young man of 70, you know. I know. I should be. I should have been born a girl. I can’t say it I can’t express it. So. So. So I have to act a certain way, like, you know, when, you know, they say try and be yourself because everybody else is taken. But people don’t realise that because they have to try and be they’ve spent so many years trying to be something that someone else wants them to be. That it’s really difficult to untwine that and it’s like learning them to accept themselves and then, you know, and accept what comes up. Yeah, you did. I mean, because, you know, like you and I both know, you know, people get stabbed for being gay or walking a different way or dressing a different way or coming from a different postcode so it’s like it’s really a big, big, wide, wide thing to address, isn’t it? Yeah.
Jewel:
And why do you think there is an increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
Participant 5:
Because because they had to push push it down, push it down, push it down for so many years,they now know there is places where they can come out because there is people to support that. So you will get that. But who’s to say that it wasn’t happening years ago it’s You know, I mean, this has been going on for years and years and years and years. I mean, you know, Freddie mercury. I mean, you got it. You know, look at the kardashians. The dad was under cover for so many years, you know. But recently he’s been dressing up in his wife’s clothing Yeah. And it’s like because where can you take that stuff? Yeah, it’s only now. You know, people get to hear of a bit more places so it’s kind of alright now, because if you see a man in a skirt, or anything like that, you know, you take a double take. Yeah. But like nowadays. I mean, I don’t but like people do, but, you know, he would now feel proud. Because he knows he’s not the only one. Yeah. He will get more. And more and more, and in the over generation. You’re going to get a lot more because they know that there is support out there because say for instance that young girl because I’ve directed her in the right place. I’m pretty sure that she knows people in the same situation and can direct them Yeah, But it’s something you born with, you know, something inside, you need to be who. You need to be and it’s Like you said, it’s about yourself. Worth and your self-esteem, and learning how to drive that and sit with that. And that Is okay and It’s okay to be the way I am. And it’s only when they get support. that gives them the confidence to come out and go. Hey like. boom.
Jewel:
And how do you feel Like space affects one’s identity? So say if a homeless person was in a rough place, or on the streets surrounded by a bunch of drugs and very masculine males.
Participant 5:
well they can’t come out, they’d have to pretend to be, Something else they ain’t if they feel safe enough. Cause they feel you know, cause if your on the streets it’s rougher anyway. Yeah. You’re taking drugs you’re around people that are just drugged. And it’s like, you know, whether you’re on the gay scene, oh, you’re in the scene where. You’re taking club drugs and you know, you get tangled with that. It all depends what kind of group of people you are. You are. Because addicts are very good. They can wear different masks and they can slip in anywhere they could try and slip in. I mean, I you know, like if if, you’re an addict and you’ve been on the street. Yeah. You are more likely to be accepted by someone off the streets where people go, oh, because your one of them cause they’ve been judged all their lives around being homeless drug user. You know, you know, they will accept another person because they’ve been through the same thing you know, I mean, no, it doesn’t bother them If your around straight people, and your a young gay black man or a young, gay, Asian man. You know, I mean, or you’re around certain people. You can’t say nothing, So it’s gonna affect your identity again You’re going to become someone. Your not, yeah. And then when you find yourself to be like that to keep yourself safe, you know, it takes a long time to go,well hey, this is who I really am. Yeah. Because it doesn’t make them a bad person because they’re gay. It doesn’t make them a bad person because they’re trans. You know, the media, the social thing. It’s wrong, it’s dirty it’s nasty. Yeah, I do.
Jewel:
Do you feel like sexuality is a taboo in the management of homelessness?
Participant 5:
Well, not really not nowadays. OK. OK. Because we come across all different people. It is only when you get to know people. You know, it’s like, you know, we had a young guy come off the street he was on a swep and all that. And then we could see him outside and he was with a guy. We didn’t know much about him and We just said to him listen, the code is 19 and we could see there was something going on and we didn’t want him to put himself at risk. So we said to him look do You want to come in, for a little while but you got to keep distance. And he just looked at us like say what, it’s fine, you know, don’t do it out there Yeah. Yeah. You put yourself at risk. It’s like, you know, seeing two guys walking around hand in hand that can’t happen. But even in 2021, they attacked.
Jewel:
So what do you think homeless shelters could do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 5:
I think they should educate themselves so they can pinpoint them in the right direction. They should be always update by education. Things change day by day and then they should spread the word. I mean, we, do, we have banners and everything all over the place. People know this is a friendly place. You know that you could talk about anything because we just have it advertised everywhere. You know, it’s okay. It’s okay to talk about this. Okay. it’s okay to talk about that you know, and they might not do it straight away, but they get to know where it’s safe and where it’s not I think they should. You know, I’m all for gay pride, all for this and I’m all for it. Good luck, get it out there because you know, we’re in 2021. There shouldn’t be racism there shouldn’t be nothing like that. Going on now we’re all the same, you know, I mean I think it just goes back to what you were saying People should definitely educate themselves. You. You know, I’ve been on this planet quite a long time in and then I’ve gone through different stages of certain things. And I’ve never had it in my heart to even judge anyone for their colour of their skin, their religion or anything like that. Growing up, cause that was never put my way. I mean, it’s like, you know, when you grow up, you know, they you go don’t ever bring him round here I if I ever see you with this person or that person, I’ve never had that you know, I was lucky that my mom my mom was really laid back. She never made. I believe it’s how the parents bring you up. Yeah, that’s what I believe. You know, like if you’re dad said, you can’t come home with a black man or you dare go out with her. Or what you doing with him I’ve seen you with him. so. So it’s it’s. It comes from the parents. You know, when your a child they don’t see colour. They don’t see religion. They don’t see none of that, you know, into todays world. I’ve got two mums I’ve got two dads, Fantastic. You know what I mean, for a kid to say like yeah their both my dad, or yeah they’re both my mom. You know, but there’s still a bit of stigma because you still got people, you know, a little bit misunderstanding. And they won’t teach culture in different you know, they do teach different cultures and talk about two mommies and two dads, and that’s fine. And then some people go I don’t want my kids to learn that But that’s no right, why ain’t it. Right. So they have learn that it. Is everyone to their own, Well, you know, you brung shame on the family. I say you don’t come near my daughter again, all that situation it’s ingrained isn’t it? I mean, and they do believe so it does effect fact and it takes a long time for that not to affect people.
Jewel:
Yeah. Well, you actually answered my next question. So could you explain to me how you think the public perceive homelessness? Homeless people from a different sexual, your gender identity?
Participant 5:
I just think that, you know. If we keep putting it out there, it’s alright to have things on telly to say that’s fine Yeah. More Advertisement and all that. You know, it’s fine to do that You know? You know, it’s like, you know, you should just treat everyone the same really and truly you pick the wrong person cause. I’m so open minded, I just think everyones okay, I don’t care who you are. You are, you know, what you are? You know what I mean? You know, I just I, I still just can’t believe that people are racist. I can’t believe that people at homophobic, I can’t believe that people like, you know, kill people torment people, you know, that’s why people at times, you know we’ve had gay guys. Or gay women they’ve ran out their homes. I think we should just think it’s okay. It’s fine. It’s okay to be like that. Okay, so. So yeah.
Participant 5:
how would you say the public perceive homeless people from a different sexuality?
Participant 5:
you should. You should have more documentaries. You should have more programmes. They have started doing that in like soaps like my other gay couple or whatever but they should have more than that.
Jewel:
It’s fine. Yeah. Do you do you feel like they’re quite accepting that the public are quite accepting of people?
Participant 5:
Well it’s hard because we still got racism. If We were all accepted we wouldn’t have racism we wouldn’t have people gaying and people off, you know, we wouldn’t have all that. Yeah. Getting all disgusted an all that. If we were all accepting we wouldn’t have all this. Yeah. We wouldn’t be talking this conversation, I mean, it’s really difficult for some people. Imagine growing up. Well, we can’t because we’ve not. But you can only imagine growing up knowing that you’re in the wrong body. I mean, knowing that you need to change something to be like who you feel you want to be. What’s wrong with being who you wanna be, express who you want to be. Yeah. You should having to not being able to express that
Jewel:
And from your point of view what do you feel like is needed to integrate homeless people and the management of homelessness? I mean, integrate. So bring them together, so bring them together.
Participant 5:
Yeah, yeah. I mean, you know, I mean. I like a little bit of education if I don’t know nothing. I would educate myself. Yeah. I mean, because I just think it’s respectful to understand where people are coming from. It’s like, you know, it should be there for anyone. Yeah. So, yeah, I get that. Any time you see a gay poster or anything, like you think gay prides coming up. Yeah. I mean or black history. You know, people don’t realise, you know, it’s like Black Lives Matter. Yeah, I know. That was blown out the water, but that shouldn’t be blown out the water they should have been looked at back in the day. Yeah, or this wouldn’t. Stretch out now. Yeah. I mean, we’re still having to go like hold on a minute. They judge him for the colour of his skin. Don’t judge him because of the way he walks don’t judge him, because he’s got fuzzy hair. Don’t judge him Because he’s got short hair.
Jewel:
Yeah. Yeah. Oh, Participant 5. That was actually the last question. That was great. Thank you so much for taking part. Sure.
Participant 5:
I hope I’ve helped you
Jewel:
you definitely have. Do you have any further comments or anything else you would like to add?
Participant 5:
I not that I can think of.
Jewel:
OK, that’s fine. I will actually send a summary of the interview for you. And then you can check and see if it was a fair. And also, like, let me know if it was a fair and accurate reflection of the interview. And yeah, you can provide any further comments, but thank you so much. Have A lovely day to take care. Thank you. Bye
Participant 5:
bye.
Participant 6: Interview trascript
Jewel:
Hello, Participant 6. Hey, how are you?
Participant 6:
I’m good, I’m good, thank you. How are you?
Jewel:
Yeah not too bad. And how’s your day been so far?
Participant 6:
Yeah my days been okay, done some cooking.
Jewel:
Oh, what did you cook?
Participant 6:
I made a pasta bake.
Jewel:
Oh, how was it?
Participant 6:
I haven’t had it yet cause it’s really hot
Jewel:
Oh. Just waiting for it to cool down. OK. I mean, by the time you finish this interview definitely you could eat it straight after. Oh, great. Thank you so much for taking part. I just I’m going to explain to you just a bit about this project. I am a student at Derby uni and this is just the part of my independent study. And I’ve decided to look at the topic of homelessness and look at how it can be affected by your age, your gender, your race, your sexuality and things like that. And just seeing also if it can even have an effect with you, returning out of homelessness. So thank you so much for taking part. And just one thing. Do you agree to treat what is discussed as private?
Participant 6:
Oh, yeah. I don’t mind If you want to discuss it with your colleagues and stuff.
Jewel:
Thank you. And, you know, you should use your own words. And there is no wrong answers when you answer the questions. And do I have permission to record.
Participant 6:
Yes.
Jewel:
That’s lovely. Great stuff. Okay, well, we can just get started. So my first question for you Participant 6 could you talk to me about homelessness? The homelessness situation in the UK? And you could even mention the management of homelessness.
Participant 6:
Yes. I’ve been homeless throughout my adult life. Yeah. I’ve always relied on st Mungo’s for help. But I think they’re amazing what they’re doing for homeless people.
Jewel:
Yeah. And how have they helped you?
Participant 6:
They’ve helped me by. Getting me accommodation, which is the main thing. Yeah. They help with benefits. They have helped me with my mental health. So if I did make a counselling appointment, they’ll do that all for me. They’re very hands on. Really great people. Yeah. And it has that been the only organisation that you’ve been a part of. Yeah. It’s the only one that I rely on. Yeah. I think is another one called Outlook but they’re just a little bit different. Okay. And how different is it. I’ve found with them. They have to physically see you sleeping rough before they help you. Oh okay. And we’ve said Mungo’s it wasn’t like that. I gave them a location where I was the very first night that they came. They took me away with them. With outlook you have to be homeless for a while and they have to physically see you sleeping rough on the street. Oh, yeah. I thought that was a bit unfair, that they would comply before they would take me away. And then someone mentioned to me St mungos And I made a phone call in the evening about 7:00 and by midnight. I was in a hostel, so that process was really quick. So it’s kind of a bit unbalanced in a way, yeah it’s just different needs for different people. Okay. So like where they took me. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want to go there. Yeah. But it was the only assessment centre for Lambeth. And I had to go there.
Jewel:
And why do you think it is most common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 6:
For me it was like a chain reaction. I lost my job. Yeah. And then I couldn’t pay my bills, so I had to give up my accommodation. And then I didn’t have enough time to sort to do any research on homelessness for which organisation helps you. So I just went and bought a sleeping bag and I got a tent and I became homeless. Until someone walking pass saying I will contact st mungos,for you and let them know that you are homeless. But for me it was losing a job, not paying my bills. Couldn’t get on benefits. But I had no other option but to make myself homeless.
Jewel:
And how do you feel like identity such as sexual identity or gender identity affects you being homeless?
Participant 6:
I am a gay man and I would of thought there would be a lot more help out there for me. I, I fall in the category of vulnerableism. I’m a vulnerable adult. they don’t really help you if your, you know, gay or bisexual, like everyone is treated equally and the same. Yeah. When I went to my local council they just was not available to help me immediately. But as soon as I called st mungos within four five hours I was in accommodation here, and it’s not really st mungos responsibility. It’s My local councils responsibilities to do that. but Yeah. Yeah. They just weren’t interested to do that because times are changed now. There’s a lot more needy people in England there’s different nationality, mental health, disability they’re just helping. The priority groups and stuff.
Jewel:
How do you feel like homelessness has affected your character?
Participant 6:
Of course, I have had zero confidence since I’ve been homeless but like that’s all gone now. I don’t really go out, I don’t interact with any of the residents or clients. I just have a key worker and a key support. I feel like being homeless has made me shut off from the outside world. When I had a job, I was a people’s person. I was always out surrounded by people. Yes, homelessness is just and then being diagnosed with depression, that doesn’t help you just sort of left with your own thoughts and everything. Yeah. Get on with it. But being here with the Weeks’s Lane project is completely different. They do a lot for you. You know what I mean? If you’re interested in art, they’ll help you with arts Anything you. Anything you want to do, you know, to distract you from the boredom. and the isolation.
Jewel:
Not sure if you are aware of the increasing number of people who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.
Participant 6:
No recently i have been in contact with a group, at the moment. We’re just talking and doing building sessions with one another, but obviously with the lockdown. But there’s no way I can go to do that. It’s only over the phones
Jewel:
Yeah. I was just about to say, I think you kind of even mentioned this. And what could you tell me, Like, what is the role of sexual identity in the management of homelessness like before, like people who have a different sexual identity are taking care of. They are helped. They are supported. Yeah.
Participant 6:
Things like that. Yeah I agree, if you like, either a gay or from the LGBT community. There is a support group. I just never felt comfortable going to them directly. And why is that? I think it has to do with my confidence and stuff I didn’t want to go somewhere and just start talking about my life to a complete stranger. Yeah. But I have leant now that you have to turn to do that if you want to get anywhere in life you have to talk to different organisations, I’m currently talking to someone from cardboard citizens. as I like theatre work and things that. oh really. So we do like little plays and things like that and that’s all to do with Building confidence. And that’s what I like. I think there’s a lot of help for people like for homeless people out through cardboard citizens, because when you’re sort of homeless, you to kind of do be a bit depressed. No one approach you and you’re all put in this Category but with joining cardboard citizens has kind of brought me out of my shell a little bit Yeah, but I’m still in my shell. Cause everything we do is over the computer or on the phone, so normally I would go down to their office in Soho. And we’d sing and we’d dance and do all sorts but that’s all been stopped But a woman that is helping me, Sarah. She’s actually a lesbian. And she was homeless many many years ago. And then she took herself out of homelessness and then decided to help people from the LGBTQ community that were homeless.
Jewel:
And does she have like her own organisation? she works with.
Participant 6:
Cardboard citizens. But she works in a section that helps you build your confidence. Then you go out and socialise. She’s really good with things like that.
Jewel:
Okay. So what do you feel are kind of challenges for minority groups?
Participant 6:
Say that again. What do you think?
Jewel:
What do you think are the challenges for minority groups in homelessness?
Participant 6:
I just don’t think a lot of people know that there’s a lot of help out there for you. And it’s not like there’s a lot of signs or advertisement going on. So if you’re homeless You only find this information that if you go to a day centre. Yeah. but I actually found out alot going to a day centre, like there’s so many organisations that want to help. Yeah, I think it’s a lack of knowledge. People don’t know. Yes. Especially feel because. No, not a lot of people are there. Not a leaflet, not a lot of numbers that you can call and speak to someone in private and confidential. I genuinely think People just don’t know about these things. unless you go to a homeless person. Then they would be like Okay, cool. I didn’t know that was there, cause when I was homeless in the park, literally the church that I was living in was a homeless shelter. I never knew, because I never knocked on the door. And they were like you’re sleeping on the stairs. But you’re more that welcome to sleep inside the hall every night. I never knew because I never knocked on the door. Yeah. At that same spot. I’ve seen a lot of people being homeless now. I just tell them look knock on the door. They’ll help you. That’s what they do here.
Jewel:
They should definitely you put some posters up then.
Participant 6:
They can’t because it’s a church. And you’re not really allowed to be hanging outside the church. But There’s an organisation called asosClubs. They normally refer you to the church, I never knew asosclubs was literally down the road from where I was being homeless. Yeah, I didn’t know. And some lovely old woman, she came out to sweep the floor and she said, you don’t need to be homeless outside. The church opens its doors every evening for homeless people to come in. And stay the night. You have to be referred through ace of clubs. And every time I see someone homeless now in my area, I have these cards made out with the ace of clubs contact details of st mungos. And I always hand them out. but a lot of people don’t want the help as well Like, I was with a group of about four different men and the two English guys, they never wanted the help because they were just set being homeless. That’s the kind of mentality I had. Oh, you know, you don’t have to worry about bills or money coming in or money going out because you do once you’re homeless for a while you do get into a routine. You have your day centres that you go to for shower and food and then you have your little spot. And not every person wants help Yeah. That’s a shame because there’s a lot of help out there for homeless people.
Jewel:
So why do you feel like there is an increase of transgenders in homeless counts.
Participant 6:
I can’t. I don’t know I didn’t really meet a lot of out of transgender type. People like I didn’t meet anyone who was from the LGBT community when I was homeless. I was homeless for six months. I didn’t meet anyone but you do hear stories. I think it’s to do with self confidence as well. Because I would of been comfortable going to a gay and lesbian organisation and asking for help rather than knock on a church door. You know what I mean? LGBT that’s my community, I can go there to ask help. But again, I didn’t know these things and I feel like a lot of people out there don’t know that there is this kind of help. For You.
Jewel:
And how do you feel like maybe you residing in where you are right now has affected your identity?
Participant 6:
I’m allowed to be me. Yeah. I want to put a dress on, I can put it a dress on. I don’t get judged and here. I’ve got my own flat. I’ve got my own kitchen, my own bathroom. And I don’t really feel homelessness. Oh, I don’t even feel like it’s a homeless organisation. That’s the way the building is designed. It looks like a post block of flats but it’s not it’s a st Mungo’s building. Yeah.
Jewel:
OK. And then why do you feel like it makes sexuality a taboo in the management of homelessness?
Participant 6:
I couldn’t answer than I don’t know.
Jewel:
I mean, especially where you are right now. Sexuality is actually discussed like, you know, it’s not really hidden, it’s supported.
Participant 6:
Yeah we do, my manager she’s a lesbian, yeah She’s always asking me, do I want to go to these seminars with her or do I want to go here or there and it’s just for the LGBT community people. Right now. I always say no because I’m not at that one hundred percent confidence level. I always I tend to hold back and I think it’s to do with me being gay.
Jewel:
OK. What do you feel like homeless shelters could do then to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 6:
What I have experienced is. There is a lot of these places have a lot of drug use going on. And it’s kind of acceptable. You know, they sort of support you in the that, but they never tell you not to do it. For me personally, I would of loved to live somewhere. where there was more gay and lesbian people. I’m the only gay man in the village here apart from my manager. She’s a lesbian. Yeah. Did nothing that we can’t really talk to anyone out of our little box, you know what i mean. So I’m guessing you’re not aware of, like, the over kind of support or organisations. No I am I am aware of it. I’ve been Invited quite a few times to go to places. Yeah. That Go on. But they weren’t really for me. Oh. Okay. I prefer to go somewhere and sit around and talk about my experiences. I don’t want to talk about where I’m going to be in 10 years. I want to talk about my past. What made me homeless. Yeah. And you know to where I’m at this point in my life. Yeah. I went to one in South. And they were just adamant to get me a job and It was just not the path I want to go down at the moment. Yeah. I wanted to be with the LGBT community to work with them. And go to seminars No. Not talking about my issues and that’s why doing. I’m doing the course for st. mungos to become an outreach worker. Wow. Yeah. Because I want to like obviously they helped me and now. I want to go out and help other people. Yeah man it’s amazing.
Jewel:
Do you feel like then people who work with homeless people need to be trained about the role of identity of homeless people?
Participant 6:
They will do all of that with. And we will go out there then hopefully one day the homelessness will be stopped. There won’t be people being physically on the street before they get to that point. We need to make sure that we advise them that there is help out there before you make that decision to go to sleep on the street. This is the thing. A lot of people don’t know when their time is up. They just go on the street. I’m working with the st. mungo’s team. I would love. Everything to do with budget and money. If we did have, I would love to have these posters made up. I just put on the hot spots for where homeless people mainly hang around. I think that would help as well. Seeing a poster with a sign for help or a phone number you could call confidentially. I that would encourage someone. When I was homeless, I really shut off from the outside world. I wouldn’t really accept help from anyone. And then I was. And then I was I need to start opening up, opening up and as I did more and more things came my way. Yeah. Did you feel like the reason that you shut off from the outside world is because, like you said before. you kind of were going to put yourself in that category cause you were homeless Nobody wants to talk to you. Yeah, because everybody associate homelessness with just one thing but it’s not that. There is so much talent on the street. when I was homeless. There was actually a primary school teacher, a maths teacher in his 50s. And he was homeless with me. I was so shocked with him being a teacher, a family man. And, you know, everything went downhill for him and he was homeless. And now the job that I’m applying for he’s already got the job he’s already out there helping homeless people, giving back, advising everyone. I just think it’s amazing that he was given help and that he’s helping other people. That’s something I would love to do.
Jewel:
And could you explain to me how you think the public perceive homeless people from a sexual gender identity?
Participant 6:
Generally the public don’t approach homeless people you know what I mean, it’s not like they approach you and have a talk with you. Yeah, they might say, oh, I’m going in the shop to buy water, would you like a bottle of water. Yeah. You know, if they ever got to talk to us, they would know that they’re straight people. There’s gay people out there. There’s talented people I just don’t think the public genuinely cared about homelessness. They think it’s all over the bed. And it’s not that everyone is so different. Believe in myself for a little while. I was like, maybe I should be doing the drugs because that’s the lifestyle that you’re sort of into if you’re homeless. But then I met this teacher who became homeless and he was like, you don’t have to. You know what I mean? It’s not all about drugs, being homeless is not associated with drugs. But people do the drugs because they just want to forget about their pain and stuff or what they’re going through or that they don’t want to remember. So let’s try to get passed out. And that’s what gives homeless people a bad name. not everyone starts off as a drug user. That’s what it’s associated with the lifestyle that oh if you’re homeless. Let’s smoke Drugs. You know, you don’t worry about your pain or your issues. Yeah. I was lucky that I didn’t actually do any drugs. I was offered drugs, but I chose not to do them.
Jewel:
That’s so interesting especially cause it goes with my other question with how does space affect your identity.
Participant 6:
that literally ties into that because someone who has come from a complete different background because of their situation could be affected. Being in certain spaces. I remember.
Jewel:
That’s that’s so interesting. Okay. And what do you feel like is needed then to integrate homeless people and the management of Homelessness?
Participant 6:
I think there needs to be more specialist assessment centres in lambeth? They’ve got one. But it’s for the whole of lambeth. But it’s just not enough. Okay. And they need more. Also, what I found out was a lot of the staff that work in places like that are x users and they have experienced homelessness. And that’s what I like. Yeah. To speak to someone who’s been through similar experiences. Yeah. rather than just talk to someone who, you know, is a straight a level student in an office. Yeah. They won’t really understand what I’m going through. No. Sure. I did find a lot of the staff even here at wickes lane. They’re ex drug users, been through homelessness. So they get homelessness more than someone who hasn’t experienced, I suppose.
Jewel:
Yeah, that’s so true. And that was actually my last question. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Participant 6:
You’re welcome. Thank you. Anything else you need to know? Just ask and I’ll tell you.
Jewel:
Most definitely. Do you have any further comments or anything you might want to add?
Participant 6:
No just thank you so much for calling. your the second person I’ve spoken to today. So that does help you know boredom and isolation, Yeah, you know, It was great.
Jewel:
I will also send a summary of the interview and you’ll be asked if you want to comment on whether this has been a fair and accurate reflection of the session. And yeah, you can add anything more if you wanted to. Thank you so much. Well, you have a lovely rest of your day. Bye.
Participant 7: Interview transcript
Jewel:
Yes. Great. First of all, thank you so much for taking part in the project. I’ve already explained the project to you. I am. So thank you so much already for the feedback on it. And just a reminder, like, do you agree to treat what we have discussed as private?
Participant 7:
Yes, this is between me and you, isn’t it?
Jewel:
Yeah. Yeah. Lovely. And you are okay to. use your own words and there are no wrong answers. And do I have permission to record this interview?
Participant 7:
yeah I guess
Jewel:
so Lovely. Thank you so much, Participant 7. So I’m just gonna begin with the first question. you all settled? Are you ready?
Participant 7:
Yes
Jewel:
All right, great. Sir, could you talk to me, Participant 7, about the homelessness situation in the UK, in particular, the management of homelessness in case of war and homeless?
Participant 7:
The homeless situation in the UK. Or do you want me to talk about could you talked to me, just how it is, where it’s like how it’s been managed? Indeed, from my point of view, as it’s happened to me
Jewel:
yeah that would be perfect.
Participant 7:
Well, I was homeless after being evicted from my my flat, which was a council flat, which had been in my family for three generations. And I had a bit of a breakdown and ignored all the letters about the bills and the rent. And they came and I was evicted. It was a two bedroom flat overlooking Clapham Common. Now, when I was evicted, I managed to creep back into the flat and squatted it for a few months. Climbing in through the window and bolted the door. I managed that for a couple of months until the bailiffs and security came in. Then I was street homeless. Now there’s an organisation around the corner called ace of Clubs, which is a drop in centre. It’s actually my old boys school, you know, from years ago, and they were wonderful. They, first of all, pointed out a safe place for me to sleep, which was, in their opinion, the safe place is basically a church on the common, which the priest allowed homeless people to sleep on the the the porch sort of veranda. As long as they pack up in the morning. And that was where the clapham homeless tended to gather because it was, you know, safety in numbers, I guess only it wasn’t very safe there. I am a drug addict and it was totally drug addicts that were there. And after a while, it wasn’t safe for me. So I I was moving around the common and sleeping under trees in the boat shed, all while I had notified the dropping centre who had notified the Safer Street team. I was homeless. After a while they came to see me. It was meant to be three to five days, but it was a lot longer than that. I can’t remember if there was a backlog, but also they couldn’t find me now. Eventually they did find me and registered me and they set the wheels in process to put me in the system, get me a first first stage, a sort of safe hostel, safe house, you know, to crash on the floor. Eventually, I managed that. I was put in the LHC, which is a short term first base for homeless people. So I was in the LHC for a few months. And that was lovely, because it was my own room with a door that I could block my own bed and to actually get a bed and a door. It is incredible, you know. I had been homeless before. In 2013 for a few months. And then went away to rehab and got clean. So I had a sort of understanding of homelessness this this time around. I knew how the system worked. You know, the help was and is there the safest reach team? They were lovely. You know, they’re understaffed, underfunded, and their hands are tied. Such an extent. They’d come and see me when I was sleeping rough and just say, like, give up. You know? You know, we are trying to find you a place. And back in 2013, it was that simple. They see you within a week or so, your pick up. It was a lot longer this time round. And it was for a number of reasons. Guess the most important reason was the sheer volume of people that are homeless this time around, talking with the Safer Streets team, the people that go around locating the homeless people on the streets at night. They were telling me some heart breaking stories. Families, you know, old people, mothers with children sleeping and you know that, you know, housing the stage where they’ve been evicted. And, you know, they’ve got nowhere to go. A lot of Eastern Europeans and Portuguese were having a problem in my part of South London and a lot of people. But this time around, it seemed they were picking up even English people. They were picking up. For some reason, you had to have ties to the borough, to people in the local hostel. You know what I mean and that is ridiculous, for example, there was a homeless guy on the street. His name was Bob and he was from Newcastle. And, you know, rather than put him in a hostel also another guy, Andy, from Liverpool, rather than put them in a hostel here because they had no ties, To lambeth, they were just offering him a coach home, you know, an and for the same with people from Poland, from Italy, from Newcastle. A friend, Matt, from devon they were being offered a coach home rather than a place here, you know? So the homeless numbers had risen dramatically. And it seemed the funding and the hotsels, had been cut a number of places. You know, now, after being in the LAC for a few months, I was moved to a hostel called Graham House. Now, that was a four story building with 70 beds I was there for a year. That was ridiculous. Jewel, that was closed down and sold off. And we all moved to a hostel at the corner called Martha Jones. Now, this, was ridiculous, it was a new build and same hostel, it had 70 beds, had to locate a hostel round the corner and only had rom for 55 people. Now, there were six floors on this building, Jewel, and there was only one left. The top floor for some reason, was designated for disabled people. But, you know, it beggars belief. That is the case. And apparently that was the only hostel for people. With trouble. And it was a walk in in the Lambeth area. And that was on the sixth floor. This is a new build. And whoever signed off on that building, it should be dismissed. It was disgraceful. That lift would break down for weeks at a time. And apparently they only signed off on a one year warranty on the lift. And every time they had to call an engineer out, it would cost six hundred pounds and how could that happen. You know, the hostel itself was right next door to the train tracks leading off from clapham junction. The trains from clapham Junction and Vauxhall. Vauxhall was the first stop. All the trains from clapham Junction to Waterloo were passing literally I don’t know, 10 metres if that. You know, if you’re on the wrong side of the building, you couldn’t open your window because of the noise from the trains, which started at five o’clock at night and went on to 20 to 2:00 in the morning. this is a fact, Martha Jones, you could look it up and see. It was not a nice hostel, you know. It was the staff again and our hands are tied What I don’t understand is I always work. I always had my own place rented, paid a mortgage. This hostel. Right. 55 rooms. Most of them. There was a few double rooms. Half a dozen, maybe more. But the majority were single rooms with a single bed some were en suite. But were probably 10 percent of them, probably 40 odd rooms with just single rooms with a sink No toilet, toilets were on the floor. But a single bed and a sink and the room is probably, I don’t know. I’m trying to think nine feet wide. We had to pay 20 pounds a week service charge 80 odd pounds a month. That was for hot water and heating and cooling, which was basically free milk and cereal. the housing benefit for that single room was nearly fourteen hundred pound a month. Okay, so you’re basically looking at a single room. Fifteen hundred pound a month is two or three homeless people had that housing benefit to themselves. We have been in one of the penthouses overlooking the River Thames. That’s a fact, I stayed at martha jones for a year and a half or so. And I’ve moved on to where I am now, which is which is part of st mungo’s, which is a different organisation. And it’s lovely here. There’s there’s basically 18 studio flats. It’s like a little Butlin’s compound. The staff are lovely. to a point the understanding and. Obviously this is between us. Yes, right. The understanding and compassion of some staff in some organisations towards drug addicts. Is disgraceful, especially Martha Jones. That was 55 people. And It was a wet hostel and everyone. And I mean everyone was a drug addict or alcoholic. You know, it was a hostel for people that. Other hostels, perhaps aren’t ready for i choose my words carefully. I mean, you know, I’ve never been to prison and I’m not biased or judging. Anybody wo cares but out of 55 people there I’d say there’s probably half a dozen people that have never been in prison or have been in the system at all. So the type of residents that were there had problems, myself included. And there were some staff who simply did everything by the book but didn’t have an understanding of people with problems. And some completely lacked compassion, you know. They would do it by the book to to that to the letter. You know, most staff are angels. You don’t get me wrong. But the funding is supplied. This is my view. The funding that is supplied to these hostels, if the public knew. They’d be amazed. You know, when I had my two bedroom flat overlooking Clapham Common, a council flat. And when I wasn’t working the rent, I had to pay was four hundred and fifty five pound a month for a two bedroom flat. Now for a single room. In a five story building with one lift, fifteen hundred a month, housing benefit will be taken. How does that work, Jewel? Yeah. This is crazy. You. Now, I. There is help out there for the homeless. But as far as I can see, the funding has been cut dramatically Hostel places have been cut hostels have been closed. You know, some to some people. Right. If you’re in a hostel and you’re not happy there and. You have to leave it. You’re making yourself homeless again in the eyes of the law, you know, voluntarily homeless But there’s reasons as to why some people aren’t happy in some hostels. Well, my friends from New Corpuscle, Liverpool, Devon. If they’re homeless in London, there’s a reason for that. So to be offered a coach ticket home. Oh, how does that work? Jewel, you know, these people, I’ve mention, eventually managed to get in. This homeless system and I’m talking about months and months after myself, you know. So, I’m sorry I’ve ran on.
Jewel:
It’s completely fine. Everything you said is valid. That’s very, very true. Like some people. It’s it’s not their fault that they aren’t used to a certain space, like a certain host talk. They may not feel comfortable. So I think that should. Yeah. Definitely be taken care of instead of just saying, you know, they are voluntarily making their self homeless. There should be something else in place for that.
Participant 7:
But I also think some staff should be more aware of. The vulnerability of certain tenants like I’m not. Proud to admit but I love the fact I’m in a hostel with staff over night for 24 hours, you know, because I was bullied. On the street. And it does happen in a hostel. You know, it’s. I don’t know is just, I think Everything seems to shut down after staff finishing the day. This is what I never understood in the day at Martha Jones. There could be eight, nine, 10 staff members here at night. They’d only be two people from 10 o’clock till eight o’clock in the morning. And that was when the hostel came alive, you know. You know, staff on the night shift, would just sit behind a desk. You know, they needed to be walking the floors. they needed to be proactive. They needed to keep an eye on things. And they didn’t. It’s like their nott Staff, when it comes to the night, they’re just basically security guards who come in and out but need to help at night. I think some staff need to be more proactive, especially at martha jones. more proactive and more compassionate and more understanding towards people with addiction problems, especially if you’re in a hostel, who’s residents are primarily people with problems. And that’s understandable.
Jewel:
Why do you think is most common for young adults to become homeless?
Participant 7:
A young adult, you get to a stage where the house is overcrowded. Problems with the parents, especially young adults. Now, with eight different accounts of study and I can talk with experience here, three friends and even on the outside I say all my life, you know If you’re not working you’re not contributing, you know perhaps you turn to other avenues to make money and the parents don’t like it or there’s simply no room. You’ve got families, you know, with three or four children living in a two bed council flat. You know, you’ve got teenagers, grown men sharing rooms. I shared a room up until I was like 22. With my younger brother who’s like 10 years younger than me. And you know it’s happening all over to a far greater extent. And how can you grow and feel like a young adult if he hasn’t got his own space you know. And so, you know, you end up staying at a friend’s house. Sofa surfing, you know, you sleep at your aunties. I stayed at my Grans after my mom kicked me out when I was young. You know, I stayed at my grans until I was working and got my own place. And I was back and forth all my life. But I had my gran broke more heart when she died. And It’s a big contributing factor to the breakdown and my problems. But yeah for young people I don’t see hostel’s for young people. I don’t see, you know, people being offered a choice where, you know, help, how. Will it hurt to build a six storey building 10 flats on each floor and let young people will have a room? I know there’s ymca’s in Croydon or purley? Certainly not one in clapham or Brixton. You know, it it it you know, and I don’t know how the law stands with regards to people from not at the borough now, you know, but I know it’s a huge problem. If you haven’t got ties to that borough and your homeless. You know, and when you reach you have to be with people, even if you’re not comfortable with them, because when you close your eyes at night, you know, everyone I knew slept with a weapon, you know. You know, that’s not my cup of tea. But I understood the need for it, you know, but I will always find myself when I’m sleeping under a tree or a boat shed. You know, I try and sleep on the night buses, or just find somewhere. But you don’t sleep, you’re constantly awake. You know what I mean? You sleep for 40 minutes. You’re awake for ten. Half an hour. You wait for twenty. You know what I mean? Even when I go to sleep I say a prayer because, like, you don’t know who’s going to come up to you at night. That’s why you sleep in numbers. But if you’re sleeping in a group of people there’s predators, you know, always. I try to find my peace again. Clearly, looking back on it, the church where we’d sleep at. The caretaker of the church, would wake us all up at 8:00, and say it’s time to go right. Sometimes that church would open for its members, not for a service, but for a committee meeting or a, you know, a funding meeting or this that the other and the residence where you call the people who go to that church would come to that church and they’d step over us, you know as we’re packing up and going where’s the Christian spirit there. I promise you, one time, they were actually having a meeting of some sorts starting just as we’re packing up. It was early and the caretakers were rushing us to pack up and get out. And they are having cups of tea and coffee 10 feet away behind the door in the church. Not one of them thought to bring out a cup of tea or a coffee. It had to do some homeless people. I don’t know. There are amazing angels out there. You know, people who give and donate and I find it incredible the donations that come to mungo’s. The books, the clothes, it’s the food. It’s lovely. It’s amazing. I just I don’t know. What I’m Trying to say here there is help there. St mungo’s they are Amazing people. Temporary. I have a problem with. And when I think of the money, I looked on their website and when I saw the income for the year to that organisation thames reach, it was in the millions and millions in revenue from the rent and that from the hostels and that the other was matched in charitable donations. And yet. It didn’t trickle down. It really didn’t trickle down. You know, I’d love to know the wages of some of these people that work in these charities. I know I’ve heard some, actually. I mean, this is like you said, it’s in the millions and it’s very terrifying. It’s crazy. With martha jones you have 10 staff in the day two staff at night. That aren’t staff, just security guards, you know. You know, when I was at Graham house after the LHC, they actually stopped people bringing in clothes donations because they had too many clothes. And I’d be walking around in the same clothes for weeks on end. They never thought to say look, actually they did a couple of them. They need to be more proactive and more compassion. And I’d like to know where the money goes right now. Here at st Mungo’s. Now they teach us to look after ourselves. And I understand that. I know. But they put a notice up. They’re not giving out tea. Or, sugar or coffee. We have to buy our own. That’s fair enough. But.
Jewel:
So the next question, how do you how do you feel like identity, like sexual identity or gender identity may affect someone being homeless?
Participant 7:
Well, to be honest, I don’t think it’s a problem. The staff certainly are trained to be considerate and compassionate around that area to an extent, I think is actually. Wrong in some respects, for example, at graham house and at martha jones. The needle exchange for intravenous drug users was limited to once a week. We could get clean needles and stuff. If you’re a drug addict and you have for the sex workers, condoms were freely available any day of the week. Now, if a prostitute from that there came down and said, can I have some condoms, please? they wouldn’t be told. Come back next Tuesday. Oh, gosh. Ten minutes for the drug addict. If they Say, can I have clean works? It’s Tuesday, at half past 10. I thought that was appropriate and I raised as a complaint. And the answer there was that they don’t want to encourage people with drug addictions. And yet to ask for clean needles is to be safe, to not go through the needles bins, to not use dirty needles to stop the risk of diseases the same way a condom helps a sex worker. So I felt that was prejudice. Towards drug users. I really do. I still do. You know, I think attitude needs to change. I’m not saying. It sounds awful. it should be available. But why should they be available once a week for drug users when condoms are in the toilets at reception put under your door, available on request? You know, what’s the difference between a sex worker trying to be safe and a drug user trying to be safe? Tell a look into that, Jewel, because that’s a big thing. Well, pretty much all of it. Another big. Needle exchanges are limited to once a week, twice a week in hospitals. Individually and condoms are freely available. Please look into that jewel. That would be a big thing for you. I tell you that no one ever mentioned that. Now, I tell you, when I wrote the complaint about that, I never followed it up. But the doctor who came to that hospital once a week to see the drug users and everyone else and write the scripts up. He actually agreed with what I said, you know, why, should they be limited. Why should it be once a week? Why should you be denied? I literally had to go down the needle bins at times to get clean works. And the staff knew that and they would still not help. And yet condoms are everywhere. Okay. And that is very interesting how do you avoid homelessness has actually affected you? Like your character. it’s changed me completely. My gosh. I’m not the person I was I feel insecure. I I feel half the man I was, i always worked. Paid taxes like. I am looked at Differently. I am treated differently, by the local supermarket around the corner from every hostel I’ve been in. Even now there’s a tesco’s and sainsbury’s at the end of the road here, Jewel. I don’t shoplift. I go in there maybe five days a week to buy milk, sugar or. You know, basic stuff, everyday milk or less. Every day the security guards look at me follow me. They look at me differently. Because I’m homeless, Without a doubt. They know where I’m from. They know who they see me with. We’ve seen at the hostel round the corner. And so, yes, they look at you differently, without a doubt.
Jewel:
I’m not sure if you are aware but Could you tell me what is the role of sexual identity in the management of homelessness? do you feel like sexuality has been managed in homeless organisations? You feel like it’s been supported and taken care of?
Participant 7:
Well, I can tell you here st mungo’s are lovely, and respected, they posters on the walls, you know, supportive thoughts and, quotes condoms in the toilets for the sex workers and the staff. I’m not gay. I have no problem with anyone who is. Oh, yeah. There’s a couple of gay people here that are happy. The staff, I think are very proactive in that perspective. There is a lot of support if you need it. This really is actually a lot of posters and leaflets to come by in. The newsletter is always talking about it. St mungo’s are excellent in that respect. And then. Are you, like, aware of the challenges for minority groups in homelessness? Yes, absolutely. Research with the Europeans, the Africans. I don’t see them coming into the hostels now at all. the only people I see are, British born people. There were some Somalians actually at the last hostel but compared to five years ago, seven years ago, 2013, when I was first homeless It’s a marked difference in the numbers. I don’t see them. I’m not sure if they have their own hostels or what but yeah there is a problem there and that’s on the safer streets now. as well. They were hands tied and helpless to Portuguese families, Somalians and i remember them. Saying. I remember the Safer streets saying It’s breaking their hearts and I don’t see the, Portuguese and the Africans and the Italians and the Polish. In the hostels, I really don’t not to the extent that I did. Do you know why? I’m assuming it’s bureaucracy.
Jewel:
And then why do you feel like there might be an increase of transgenders in homeless counts?
Participant 7:
I am I’m not aware that there is. OK. Is there like a group of people in St Mungo’s that do cater for transgender people who wanted to? Like I’ve said there are people who put some posters up and I know for staff would be more than happy if if you are that sexuality to help Like I say, st mungo’s are very provocative in that respect. Hats off to them.
Jewel:
And what do you think homeless shelters can do to be more inclusive of different types of people?
Participant 7:
Except get them in there see. To me people are people whether their. Transgender and gay, black, white, if they are homeless they are homeless. Get them in.
Jewel:
Do you feel like the people working with homeless people need to be trained about the role of identity of homeless people?
Participant 7:
I can’t quote on that from my experience all I can say is that the staff of st mungo’s are lovely in that respect, the safer streets team the ones that pick you up. Are Lovely and compassionate. It comes down to organisation. I’m not aware that there is a problem, you know.
Jewel:
And can you explain to me how you think the public perceive homeless people from a sexual or gender identity?
Participant 7:
I wouldn’t know, I. Like most of the public, are incredibly lovely. There are some that look down on homeless people, but how would you be able to spot a transgender or a gay homeless person? People are people, I’ve never met a transgender person, as far as I’m aware. And I’ve not got any lesbian homeless friends. I’ve got a couple of gay people who I know are homeless and their just homeless people to me. You. Yeah. Regardless. To me, it doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Jewel:
Yeah. And from your point of view, what do you think it is needed to integrate homeless people and the management of homelessness? Like, do you think there could be more meetings with homeless people and the managers?
Participant 7:
I think yes, they should. They should conduct what is the word I’m looking for, you know, like. The secret shopper. Some shops and airlines get people to go undercover into their shops. Yeah the mystery shopper. they should do that. the organisation should have a residence on a confidential and ask Jesus Christ, that’s a lovely idea jewel. one moment. I just gotta go back to the kitchen to get it. Ten seconds. Yeah.
Jewel:
No, that’s fine. OK. Lovely. And that was actually the last question. Do you have anything else that you want to add, Participant 7?
Participant 7:
no I think it’s an interesting topic, and I really think you could look looking to the secret shopper thing and the needle exchange and prejudice towards cases where the sex workers get the condom. Yeah, I look into it. And, boy, I see. And European Africans and Europeans in the hospital so much as they were like, you know, keep to it.
Jewel:
No. Yeah, definitely. I will send you a a summary of the interview and you will be asked to comment. If this was a fair and accurate reflection of what you said in this interview, please. Yes. I love her. Yeah. And you can even provide any further comments if you wanted to add anything on. But yeah, that is it. Thank you so much, Participant 7. I really think that should. I’m pretty sure Participant 1 will contact you after you’ve done this
Participant 7:
I look forward to the summary
Jewel:
I just need to go over it and fill in some things because I just have to play this and then a transcript. All will appear. And if there’s things that may look wrong and then I’ll just like go over it. But I listen, I would tell you before I submit anything and you can check and see.