| Product: |
Homelessness and street begging |
| Date: |
04/09/01 (154 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Yesterday I got off the train with my girlfriend just after 11pm. Feeling a little insecure in the small empty station I grabbed her hand and made sure she was close to me, I guess it was partly for my own security although naturally I shall claim it was to protect her.
I was just beginning to relax, walking down the station stairs when ahead I saw a group of 3 beggers. They were clearly homeless, wearing shabby clothes and unable to talk properly through their unkept teeth. They were a rather frightening sight and they watched us walk from the end of the corridor, their eyes never leaving us as we walked down the hallowed hall.
I was petrified for both myself and my girlfriend, all my hairs standing on end as we got closer and closer. I heard one of them ask for spare change and I shook my head, speeding up my step slightly as we passed, anxious not to turn my back on them while they were close enough to attack. I heard one of them say something and I turned my head, trying not to make it too obvious while making sure I could react if they attacked, I got a massive shock.
The guy sat on the floor, unable to move as easily as the others was an old school friend, a man who had been predicted straight A's in his GCSE's and then disappeared into oblivion. I guess this is where he ended up.
I was naturally shellshocked. Being one of the naturally intelligent people in school (top set so naturally nobody wants to talk to you, you are a 'spod') I had a close bond with many of the students in the same boat. We became a close knit group because we had to be, the bullies would pick us off if we strayed. Yet here I saw possibly the most successful guy in school begging on a street.
I was still reeling but I went back, offered him a tenner (it was all I had) and asked if he was ok. He didnt recognise me at first, his eyes were obviously sore and he looked like he hadn't eaten in days. his frien
ds informed me it had been 4 days since they last ate. I couldn't believe it, I felt so guilty. I'm not sure why I felt guilt, it just took over me and I didnt know what to do.
I went and found a cash point and took out another £20 which I gave to him. I told him of a homeless shelter not far from the station and led his friends there with him. It didnt open for another 4 hours but at least it would open. They didnt know anything about it, his two friends couldnt read and they didnt have enough money for a cup of tea let alone a newspaper, so how would they see the adverts?
I left them there, assured by his friends that they would take care of him. I felt guilty for leaving them but I had to get my now cold girlfriend home.
I went back the next morning and didnt find him, he'd gone. I was assured by the volunteer that he had been there and was saying he would geta ticket to London where he thought the chance of him getting a living was better. I felt my heart drop and I wished him well in my mind, knowing he'd possibly made the biggest mistake of his life. With so many crackdowns on homelessness right now, London is the worst place to be a begger, especially with the crime rate there.
I sank a little into my seat when I got home and thought about it most of the day, I guess I'll still wonder what he's doing and how he's getting on when I'm 64. The whole episode did teach me something though, not all homeless people are criminals or scum.
The guy in question had 9A*'s at GCSE level but had to drop school when his parents split and he was kicked out. Without an address he couldnt get a job and he couldnt get to school - his life just fell apart and now he's in the situation he is now.
I really dont know what else to say, I know there are many out there who are criminals or threatening but there are those who arent. This guy just needs a chance and maybe its
him you will see when you are next in London. Just do me a favour, ease my guilt and spare him 20p. He's honest and wont ask for more, he just wants a chance. If I ever find him, I'll do what I should have done that night and bring him home. At least if he has an address he can get work and a life back. I only hope its not too late.
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