60 Days on the Streets - Ch4

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Did anyone watch this? I thought it was excellent.

I was surprised and disappointed that it seemed all the homeless people had drug issues. I thought there would be some whose issues were less complex ie rotten landlord, lost job.

I've always thought people saying that people were faking it or using money they've begged just for drugs were just being horrible.

But it does look like it doesn't it. I thought there was a peculiar type of choice being exercised.

I can't believe he fell for that guy's story. You could tell he was a smackhead if you've spent a lot of time round them. His story was incredibly sad, they all were.

I completely believed it too.

I was taken in by him too, but DH wasn't (has worked with addicts in the past).

Terrible to see those totally zombiefied on spice. God knows what the answer is - you can't take them off the street and hold them against their will to get them off their addiction.

It was very interesting, for want of a better word, and very sad

I have been street homeless and you get by the best way you can. It is honestly terrifying and I got through by drinking lots. At this time of year it's fucking freezing and anyone in their right mind would want to have a roof over their head or be out of their head. But go ahead, judge others without having the slightest clue about what they're going through.

Two I'm really not judging, the programme puzzled me and i wondered if he had a slightly anti rough sleeper bias.

I was wondering where hostels come into this. The people featured did collect enough for a hostel but then didn't go to one. That was the choice i was talking about.

I can only speak for men, but many won't use hostels because there's a risk of getting stuff stolen. When all you can carry is all you own your own stuff is important.

There are those that say you shouldn't give homeless people cash as they will just spend it on drugs or booze. To them I say spend a few nights on the streets and you'll understand why they do; it's scary, it's cold and getting off your face shortens the night.

Two what's the way forward then? I suppose it's a multi agency approach tackling housing, finances and health at the same time. I read the book about Stuart Shorter and i hadn't previously realised that being allocated housing wouldn't be the whole solution.