At the start of my project my aim was to work with three agencies. Some of these ventures have been more successful than others, there have been problems in communication and also in meeting suitable subjects to create appropriate work. Many of the people I have met have been unwilling to take part in this type of project. There are many issues involved in this, such as the protection of an individual’s privacy and identity. Psychologically some people found the thought of being pushed into the spotlight deeply uncomfortable. For others legal issues were a factor – they simply did not want to be recognised by the law for various reasons. There seemed to be many more reasons for a person not to be involved in a project like this that to participate. However, overall my contact with these agencies has been hugely positive. My understanding of the effects and causes of homelessness has increased hugely, the knowledge I now have has contributed to my project a great deal and the insight and experiences I have had have proved to be invaluable. Working with a single agency alone, I would have a very narrow view of homelessness. Each agency seemed to specialise in certain issues surrounding homelessness for example:
The Soup Kitchen dealt with the issue of hunger and well-being, looking after another person’s basic health needs with volunteers to deliver food, clothing and bedding prioritising those in greatest need. With visits from an NHS nurse to deal with any basic health issues.
The Community Resource Centre encourages and provides information for people to try and find their own way out of a homeless environment and lifestyle. My experiences with them so far have been restricted to mere observations of the way they work and the people that use their services.
Progress has been slow with working on a one to one basis with the clients. Finding willing participants has been problematic, however, the insight it has given me has been greatly beneficial to my work. As my work is very much more concerned with the sheer scale, breadth and diversity of people effected by the homeless issue, I have not found this to be too much of a problem as working from secondary sources is proving to be much more effective and rewarding. Homelessness is not just about rough sleepers, it is about families facing eviction, the elderly, young people, people with jobs, people going through various upheaval in their lives. Through secondary sources I am finding access to these people, their lives, stories and problems.
