I went back to Southbank/ Waterloo area to survey the homeless. As I was camera less for almost the whole week except for that day, felt a bit gutted not finding what i was looking for. But everything's from beginning.
So, my journey began taking a train to Charing Cross, thinking to find some homeless around Strand area, as they're always there. Finding out at least some contact details of someone who knows the area always works for me. Bought some cigarretes, although i don't smoke myself- learned that it's the best you can offer for the homeless, apart from money. Made sure i've got enough change in a pocket and started my discoveries.
Walking and searching through the streets made me feel almost like homeless myself- not knowing where exactly am i going and not knowing what im going to find. First person i saw was the guy selling big issue nearby covent garden market, skipped on him at first, but when i was passing him back, there was a girl sitting with him too. Although feeling shy, went to asked maybe he knows anything about the waterloo bullring and people who used to live there. All i heard was no, don't know, and the girl sitting next to him with a bottle of cider was completely drunk, so i thought i'll better carry on as this is going nowhere.
So turned my route towards Strand back again, and this time saw another guy selling big issue. Although even after showing some pictures he didn't know anyone, he just touched my heart. The first homeless i met that was so honest and had so much belief in life, future...For the first time talking to homeless made me feel so emotional listening to him rather than feeling sorry for choosing an easy way of living. Although he seemed busy on work, and i was ready to go without disturbing him, he started conversation and we talked for almost half an hour. I guess he felt lonely, you just could tell that in his eyes. His name was David, probably in his 40's, he looked like he's been looking after himself. After asking if he knows anyone who used to live in bullring, he apologised and said no, he's been on the streets for only two years. Had a family, wife, his own bussiness- appearently he was a fisherman. But relationship broke down, they divorsed, and most of the incomes and all money he had went to his wife, leaving him in debts. Not paying them would force him to go to the prison, but he said didn't want to go that way. So it left him living on the streets. And it's tough out there. At night all the nastyness comes out and where the horrible things happens. People getting beaten up, robbed. If not worse. He tries to sleep with a group of people, thats a bit safer. There's been time when he swore and even apologised, thought it's a nice gesture. It was just nice to see a person who still had self respect and a hope for a brighter future. After our chat he apologised, said it was lovely talking to me but he had to get back to work. After asking him if he smokes, he replied that yes, that's his only way to relief everything. I left him a few cigarretes and a three pounds- the look he gave me was just priceless- so much gratefullness in his eyes. Thanked me and said he will think and pray for me, the way he said it with so much thankfullness left me teary eyed. It was just so nice to meet this guy- hopefully i made his day a little easier.
