Homeless in Wellington: A Personal Account
James, a homeless man in Wellington, has been living on the streets for nearly 20 years. Despite being offered housing multiple times, he prefers to sleep rough rather than deal with the challenges that come with having a place to stay. According to him, many homeless individuals lack the necessary life skills to maintain housing, leading to a vicious cycle of instability.
In the summer, James sleeps in the CBD or on the waterfront, while in winter, he opts to sleep in car park buildings. He specifically avoids boarded-up buildings like Pringle House due to safety concerns and the risk of encountering drug users. James mentioned that homeless people tend to use vacant buildings for illicit activities, posing a danger to themselves and the community.
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau and City Councillor Iona Pannett are working on addressing the issue of vacant buildings in the city. They are exploring potential solutions to ensure public safety and prevent these buildings from becoming hubs for illegal activities. Additionally, a new rating system has been implemented to incentivize owners to develop their properties or face increased costs.
For James, homelessness is linked to mental health issues, substance abuse, and a lack of educational opportunities. Despite receiving support from organizations like DCM and The Salvation Army, he believes that once someone becomes homeless, it is challenging to break the cycle. James acknowledged the difficulties of reintegrating into society without proper resources or skills, expressing resignation to his current situation.
While he has come to terms with his life on the streets, James remains focused on maintaining his health and dignity. He emphasizes the importance of respecting others and avoiding confrontations with both fellow homeless individuals and the general public. His story sheds light on the complex issues surrounding homelessness and the need for comprehensive support systems to assist individuals in rebuilding their lives.