Life on the streets: An interview with Newcastle’s homeless

Spread across various intersections throughout the town and lurking in shopping centre car parks, Newcastle has witnessed a significant increase in the presence of beggars. These individuals often face accusations of criminal activity and drug abuse from law enforcement. However, a closer examination of Newcastle’s destitute community reveals another aspect.

Speaking with Newcastillian News and reflecting on his life as a homeless person who begs for survival near the Amajuba Mall at the Allen Street and Hardwick Street Intersection, Marcus* shared the following:

“I’ve been living on the streets for four years, and it’s definitely not a choice we make. We’re here because we’ve lost everything. I used to work as a boilermaker before I landed on the streets. Though I still try to find occasional work, there are people who take advantage of our situation, offering minimal money. While I need money for food, I can’t allow others to take advantage of me.”

He explained that his family was aware of his situation, but despite having relatives in town, they provided no assistance, leaving him to fend for himself on the streets of Newcastle.

“I usually sleep in vacant pieces of land, or in vacant properties where I know there are no security guards. There are not many vacant properties left where I can go to though, as there were some homeless people and thieves who stole from the properties and security companies were hired to keep them safe, and ensure no one enters. So, occasionally, I will also sleep in Trim Park if I must,” he said.

Thuli*, a woman who begs along Victoria Road, revealed that she has been begging since 2020 and sleeps in Trim Park. ” I have family in Glencoe, but they don’t know I’m begging or homeless. I don’t know how to tell them. If I make a bit extra money, I will send it to them, just so they think I have a job and that I’m doing okay.”

Explaining the dangers of street life, Marcus stressed the need for caution due to the criminal element in town. However, he noted that he faced more harm from law enforcement than from criminals. “About three months ago, I was beaten badly by a security company’s staff. They also burned my blankets and most of my clothes. When they were finished with me, I had to sleep in the rain without any blankets or warm clothing.”

Thuli added that safety was a significant concern for many homeless individuals, particularly women in the community.

“People will try to rob us of what we have and sometimes they will hit us too. On pay days when people have been drinking, it can be tough if they see us,” she said, declining to elaborate further.

Furthermore, Marcus mentioned that every year, several homeless individuals die due to harsh weather conditions or the biting cold of winter. “I have learned the coldest time of the night is about 3 am. As long as you have a blanket or two, you will be fine. But many of us don’t and I have of a couple of guys being picked up the next morning because they died during the night. Some of them were just mentally ill people that were left homeless, while some just didn’t have something warm to keep them safe through the night,” Marcus elaborated.

Thuli noted that a small community of homeless people living under a bridge near the taxi rank, connected to Trim Park, supported each other by sharing blankets and occasionally lighting small fires to keep warm.

Addressing law enforcement’s claims that many beggars in Newcastle were involved in petty crimes, Marcus refuted the accusations, stating that engaging in criminal activities would adversely affect their earnings. “It is false that we commit crime and steal from people. In all my time begging in Newcastle, I only know of one guy who was caught for stealing and that was shoplifting. He was arrested and went to court, where he was then let go by the court due to his circumstances. But when he came back to his spot, a security company kept chasing him away from the area near the Amajuba Mall, and because he could not make money from begging anymore, he eventually started stealing again until he was arrested again and not released the second time round.” He admitted, however, that the same might not be true for all homeless individuals who didn’t resort to begging or other forms of income generation, such as collecting recyclables.

Thuli concurred with Marcus, affirming that Newcastle’s beggars avoided criminal activities to prevent eviction from their spots. She noted that through their behaviour, even the traffic officers have begun leaving them alone.

Nevertheless, neither denied law enforcement’s allegations of drug use. Marcus admitted that some beggars and members of the homeless community used narcotics. “I use drugs occasionally, I won’t say which ones though. But people need to understand, this is not an easy or comfortable life. We are forced to clean ourselves with dirty river water, we never know when we will get our next meals, we are verbally abused and occasionally beaten or robbed. Sometimes we have to eat from dustbins, what would you do if you were in our place?”

Thuli stated that she was aware of the prevalent drug use among Newcastle’s homeless community. “I don’t use hard drugs like some others. I only use ganja to help me sleep at night because it’s impossible to simply lie down in a park or on the streets and fall asleep.”

Highlighting the hardships they endured, both Marcus and Thuli explained that their daily routine revolved around raising money and purchasing food, drinks, and sometimes drugs to cope with the challenges of the night.

“People do not want to see the good in us. We will not be at our usual spot for a day or two and people will make assumptions, but in my case, it is on those days that I am trying to get work or doing odd jobs somewhere else. We are just people who are trying to survive,” Marcus concluded.

Wrapping up, the stories of Marcus and Thuli shed light on the harsh realities faced by Newcastle’s homeless community. Despite accusations of criminality and drug use, they assert that their primary concern is survival.

Additionally, they highlight the challenges of finding shelter, facing dangers on the streets, and enduring the biting cold of winter. Their accounts challenge stereotypes and urge for a deeper understanding of their plight. Ultimately, they emphasise their humanity and resilience in the face of adversity, underscoring the need for compassion and support from society.

With these reflections in mind, what are your thoughts on the above? Feel free to share your views in the comment section below.”