For most of us, homelessness is unimaginable. Every single day, we take for granted what we do. Whether it be going out for lunch, lying in a warm bed on a cold night, or going to work, it is easy to forget that there are often enormous obstacles to these simple things for those living on the streets. We go about our days without a second thought. A routine, a habit, a drill. But yet, thousands of people wake up in all areas of Ireland and try to build their lives in spite of the intense challenges of living without an official address. Not having an address is a challenge for homeless people, which then perpetuates their negative experiences when applying for jobs, which would be able to help them out of their situations. But, this is an argument for another day unfortunately.
There is no true “ordinary” day for a person experiencing homelessness. Every day is the same, every day is hopeless, where does their hope come from? Life living on the streets is as complex and diverse as life anywhere else. Those living with homelessness face immense barriers every single day to overcome simple daily tasks us with homes take for granted. For example, warm water for a wash, hot water for a cup of tea, electricity for a slice of toast. Not anything glamorous or extravagant, just ordinary life. Things that never even cross our minds.
“It's extremely dangerous. If you're sleeping rough, you couldn't be more exposed as a human being in modern society," said Mike Allen, the director of advocacy at Focus Ireland
A study done by Mental Health Reform with Dublin Simon Community, which examined the link between homelessness and mental health, said that:
”In addition to the service user’s feelings of abandonment and loneliness, they recounted the innumerable stressors which encompassed the experience of being homeless. These stressors ranged from trying to find emergency accommodation, to managing hostile environments in hostels or on the street. Participants recalled that their days would be filled with exhaustive levels of worry and anxiety. For many of the service users, addiction difficulties played a significant role either in the onset of their becoming homeless or as a consequence of becoming homeless. Whichever the causal direction, both service user and staff members recounted that drugs and/or alcohol were often used in an effort to alleviate mental distress, to forget past trauma and to numb the deleterious realities of being homeless. From this perspective, drugs and/or alcohol offered relief from the constant, painful and exhaustive anxiety and distress.”
People can become homeless for so many different reasons, and the effects of homelessness can be absolutely devastating. Every person's experience with homelessness is different. In this blog, we will be speaking to one of our amazing guides, Shane, on what a day looked like for him when he was living on the streets of Dublin.
“I’d leave the hostel in the morning at around 8 o’clock. Depending if it was a night time only hostel I’d have no choice but to get out. I’d make my way to the methadone clinic every morning no matter where I stayed the night before. Liquid handcuffs I call methadone, I was tied to the clinic like groundhog day every morning not being able to get out of the loop”
“Hang around for a bit and make my way to the Capuchin day center for something to eat if I was able to stomach it, that would be my morning”
“Around 2 o’clock I’d ring the free phone number to see where I’m getting a bed that night. Normally, I’d have to ring back again in the evening, and sometimes even ring back that night. It could be anywhere in Dublin, but mainly close to the city center. Basically walking around aimlessly all day. I’d go to the soup run before I’d make my way to the hostel, maybe something to eat and a chat.
Head to the hostel then, knowing well what's ahead. Normally sharing with 4 or 6.
I’m shown my room. Some hostels have lockers where you can put some belongings, and probably something to eat, tea, toast, cereal. Some nights I’ll be in with 3 other men, young enough men mid to late 20s, chances are I’ll probably know someone in the hostel. Maybe ten other rooms in there, about 40 men.
So loads of noise, loads of different people coming and going from the room”
The story that Shane tells is similar to plenty of people living on the streets nowadays. A constant struggle to get out of a horrible, draining cycle. You can imagine how hard it is for anyone to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Constantly being on your feet, on the move, searching for food or a place to stay.
Having a home, a place to lay your hat, to put down roots and be comfortable, is something thousands of people in Ireland don't have the privilege of.
The Monthly Homeless Report for March 2022 showed that 9,825 individuals were homeless in Ireland, which is an increase of 333 (3.5%) on the February 2022 total.
Among the homeless adults recorded in March, 4,957 (71%) were single adults and there were also 1,238 families in emergency accommodation.
A total of 2,811 children (under-18) associated with these families, were in emergency accommodation in March 2022.
Homelessness in Ireland is a growing epidemic. The Simon Communities of Ireland have recently said that these figures are "the highest level of adult homelessness and young person homelessness ever recorded" by the Department of Housing.
What can I do to help?
There are many ways in which you can support Secret Street Tours. You can take one of our tours here to experience Dublin alongside one of our fantastic guides. You can support us by making a donation or make a regular donation by becoming a patron here.
Sharing our Tours with friends and family or on social media is another great way to spread the word about the work we are doing.
We would like to also say a huge thank you for your ongoing support and contributions.
Reference : Mental Health Reform - Homelessness and Mental Health
