A man shares his personal story of being homeless for nearly five years, struggling with PTSD, addiction, and institutionalization. He recounts his experiences of sleeping rough, being attacked, and feeling dehumanized. However, with the help of organizations and his own determination, he was able to turn his life around, find accommodation, and become a drug and alcohol counselor. He now helps other rough sleepers and volunteers to raise awareness about homelessness, emphasizing the importance of understanding and compassion. He believes that homelessness can happen to anyone and that it's crucial to address the underlying issues, rather than just providing temporary solutions.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker was in the army for 12 years and developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
2. After leaving the army, the speaker settled their own business but struggled with stress and ended up walking down a motorway the wrong way in just a pair of slippers.
3. The speaker was hospitalized for 12 weeks and then had nowhere to go, leading them to become homeless.
4. The speaker was in care for 16 years, from the age of 2 to 18.
5. At 18, the speaker was put into a hostel but struggled with the environment and lack of life skills and support.
6. The speaker became addicted to substances and was homeless for nearly 5 years.
7. During their time on the streets, the speaker was physically attacked, including being kicked and stabbed.
8. The speaker struggled with verbal abuse and feeling invisible on the streets.
9. The speaker used to shower in a canal and struggled with access to public toilets.
10. The speaker's family did not know they were homeless, and it had a significant impact on their relationships.
11. The speaker now works as a drug and alcohol counselor, helping rough sleepers in Birmingham.
12. The speaker has written a book of poetry, with proceeds going to homeless charities.
13. The speaker emphasizes the importance of addressing the issues surrounding homelessness and keeping it at the forefront of people's minds.