Homelessness In Portsmouth

THURSDAY 1^ST MARCH 2012. Tonight we see 2 new people and TINNY, JAMIE, CHRIS, PAUL, NEIL and GARY(only met briefly once before).

This evening Liam came out with me, I had the day off work today and was able to organise myself a bit better. Usually it is a rush when working as I finish work at 5pm and am usually out on the homeless run at 6.

We started at the hard as usual and see tinny, he was just as cheery as normal, he always makes me laugh. It’s incredible that he keeps smiling considering the life and unfortunate situation that life has put him in. We fed and watered Tinny then took the car to where Chris and the others would usually be. The only person there was Zoe, I have never met her before. I asked her if she had seen anyone else and she told me that Jamie was just over by the bus shelter. As I turned around we see him walking towards us, he looked so much better.

We gave him soup and food, Zoe refused, in fact she never said a lot at all. I think she was just cautious as she never knew us which was understandable. Whilst talking with Jamie along came Chris. Zoe got straight up to speak with him, they moved away from us as I think they wanted to talk in private. Jamie tells me that Zoe is Chris’s girlfriend, Chris has spoken about her many times before. When they came back zoe was a bit more chatty, I asked her if she needed and clothes, I gave her a few women’s tops that I had in the car and told her if she ever needs anything else then to tell Chris and ill get it for her. We gave Chris some food and bits. Jamie was again in a lot of pain, he seemed fine just now but he said that he sang a few songs when busking with his guitar earlier and thinks that’s why the pain has come back. I asked Chris to text me or call me if he gets any worse and ill take him to hospital, doesn’t matter what time of day of night. We drove about50 feet when Liam noticed a guy sleeping by the benches. We got out and asked him if he wanted anything and he said no. He kept saying that the homeless guys are all dangerous and I should be careful or go home, his name was john and he has been homeless for 4 weeks. He came from London and said he is going back as it is too dangerous here??? I told him the guys here are lovely. As we walked back to the car he started shouting, they are dangerous go home before you get hurt.

We carried on our journey to see Paul, like Tuesday he was very quiet, he did tell me that he has trouble opening up to people. He had a really bad week that he can’t talk about, I offered a shoulder for him and told him I am always here if he wants to talk, and I will not and do not judge people no matter what. His response was, if he could tell me he would, he said I am probably the only person he can trust, that meant a lot to me. We gave him food etc and went on our way.

We drove around Southsea and along the seafront to see if we could see anyone else but no joy so we headed for Albert Road where we see Neil and his dog. Neil is a very cuddly man, as soon as he see me he got up and gave me a huge big cuddle and kiss on cheek. Think he was pleased to see me ha ha. We had a little chat and we gave him some food. Liam fed his dear dog and played with him for a while. I asked Neil if he had seen Ian or Sean, he said Sean was about earlier today and Ian was off getting some heroin for himself and for Neil. I asked Neil if Ian is on heroin and he answered “that’s an understatement, in fact Ian told me how to inject in the groin as my veins are collapsing”. I wasn’t totally surprised as I have been told that Ian is on drugs. I told Neil, each to their own, I won’t judge him or Ian or in fact I don’t judge any of you. All the guys I have met have been polite and honest with me and I will help those that require and want help.

We carried on down the road a little and see Gary, we first met Gary on 19^th January, he was begging a little further down the road outside the co op back then. Gary remembered us and thanked us for all that we do. We gave him food and soup and had a little chat. We then went home .