Andy has been sleeping rough in Cardiff, Wales for the last three weeks. Andy’s dad is an alcoholic and he feels safer sleeping outside than at home with family.
When I first saw Andy is was sleeping. As a rule, I never wake anyone up. Andy shares about how he has been walking around at night and desperate for sleep. Sleep deprivation is common for homeless people sleeping rough. A good nights sleep is rare.
Although Andy shares about rough sleeping in the United Kingdom, the challenges of living on the streets homelessness are the same in the United States and Canada. People don’t just walk by, they spit on you and call you names. People even with good intentions give an overabundance of food yet refuse to help with money or other basics needs besides Mcdonalds or Burger King meals.
Here’s a post I wrote about panhandling and people begging for money: “Giving Money to Homeless People Is Okay”
Andy’s story is powerful. He’s only 21 years old and he’s experiencing more pain and suffering than any young adult should. Sadly, Andy’s story is far too common among homeless young adults. Instead of giving a sandwich we all must work together to end homelessness.
Thanks to all of your support, we got Andy inside tonight. He found me a little while after this interview with all of the change he had made from panhandling in his hand and said: “I am going to give this to a charity box.” Just by helping him get inside tonight it changed everything.
Special thanks to Crisis.
