The speaker describes their experience of being homeless for nearly five years after serving 12 years in the army and struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They recount the difficulties of living on the streets, including finding places to sleep and shower, dealing with verbal abuse, and struggling with addiction.
The speaker's journey to homelessness began when they were placed in care at the age of two and lacked life skills and support when they left care at 18. They describe the harsh realities of life on the streets, including being kicked, stabbed, and having their belongings stolen.
Despite these challenges, the speaker emphasizes the importance of human connection and kindness. They recall instances where people acknowledged their presence on the streets, which gave them hope. The speaker also highlights the misconceptions about homeless people, noting that not everyone who is homeless uses substances.
The speaker credits various organizations for helping them turn their life around. They are now a drug and alcohol counselor, working with rough sleepers in Birmingham. They have also written a book of poetry, with proceeds going to homeless charities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping homelessness at the forefront of people's minds and addressing the issues surrounding it.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker spent 12 years in the army and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) upon discharge.
2. The speaker settled their own business but struggled with total stress and was found walking down a motorway in just a pair of slippers.
3. The speaker spent 12 weeks in hospital and was released with nowhere to go, leading to them becoming homeless.
4. The speaker was in care for 16 years from the age of 2 and was put into a hostel at 18 without life skills or support.
5. The speaker struggled in the hostel environment and became addicted to substances.
6. The speaker spent nearly five years on the streets.
7. The speaker would often go to the canal to wash themselves while homeless.
8. The speaker would use public toilets or find alternative places to go to the bathroom.
9. The speaker was physically attacked and kicked while homeless.
10. The speaker was stabbed eight times while homeless.
11. The speaker used substances as an escape from reality.
12. The speaker has been clean for four years and now works as a drug and alcohol counselor.
13. The speaker has reunited with their family, including their mom and dad, after 30 years.
14. The speaker now has a home, partner, and children.
15. The speaker has written a book of poetry, with proceeds going to homeless charities.