Day 2 - 'Hungry for the Needs of the Homeless' Challenge
Key Challenges for Today
Language barrier continues to be an issue
It's a National holiday in France (Labour Day), and everything is closed.
Refuge services need to be accessed via Government registration, which Gordon and migrants are unable to do, and therefore, cannot access services.
Lack of sleep and food is taking a toll.
Overview
Gordon started his day a 3am walking around trying to find members of the homeless community and homeless services. The language barrier made it near impossible to converse with others to find out about what homeless services were available, so Gordon resorted to google (which he really didn't want to do). Gordon walked over an hour to a homeless shelter to find out it was closed due to Labour day.
Using the €3.15 earned through 3 hours of begging yesterday, Gordon bit the bullet and bought a salad for his breakfast.
Gordon spent another 3 hours begging, in which he got €3. Someone also gave him a croissant and a bottle of water which was much appreciated in the 28 degree heat.
Later in the day, Gordon met a homeless man called William. They had a short conversation and William asked for some money, so Gordon gave him €1.50 - leaving Gordon with just €1.50 himself.
Gordon used his €1.50 to buy bread and chicken slices to make a dry sandwich for dinner. A lady also gave him a half eaten bag of crisps, raising the question - is is disgusting? Disrespectful? Rude? Or fine, as beggers' can't be choosers?
Having no disposable money, Gordon has been walking 20,000+ steps each day and is starting to understand why homeless peoples' feet are so sore.
The homeless don't spend money on taxis, buses or trains when there are substances they can buy to help ease their pain, or numb themselves whilst on the streets.
After a day of chasing his tail and failing to find refuge services for food or shelter (as they were all closed for Labour Day), Gordon returned to the same doorway as the night before (by Notre-Dame) for another night sleep on the street. After only 2 days, the experience has been exhausting.
It's been a tough 2 days. Gordon is realising why people turn to alcohol and/or drugs. For him, he knows this experience will come to an end in 30 days, but for those whom's homelessness is their reality - it is an unending and hopeless experience.
Be kind to the vulnerable and give them a chance.
If you want to donate to the 'Hungry for the Needs of the Homeless' Challenge, click here. Your donation will go directly to organisations Gordon witnesses making a difference in vulnerable communities.
Thank you for your support!
