Lakhasly

...a homeless man by Sam Browne

Carrying a sleeping bag and wearing scruffy clothes, I headed for the spacious store doorways where the homeless spend their nights.I got into my sleeping bag in the large, well-lit doorway of a boutique, but I couldn't sleep.It wasn't just the biting cold, but I was constantly aware of people walking close to my head and the hard stone floor dug into my shoulder and hip.I finally dozed off, only to be woken up at about 5 a.m. by the cleaners who arrived to wash the steps.At the public toilets I couldn't believe the reflection I saw in the

mirror.My eyes were red and puffy, my skin pale and my hair was frizzy.I looked terrible.

...a homeless man by Sam Browne

Carrying a sleeping bag and wearing scruffy clothes, I headed for the spacious store doorways where the homeless spend their nights. When I arrived there, I was shocked to see men and women already curled up in most of the doorways. I got into my sleeping bag in the large, well-lit doorway of a boutique, but I couldn't sleep. It wasn't just the biting cold, but I was constantly aware of people walking close to my head and the hard stone floor dug into my shoulder and hip. I finally dozed off, only to be woken up at about 5 a.m. by the cleaners who arrived to wash the steps. As I walked, people avoided looking at me and crossed the road. I walked into a café to use the toilet and I was angrily told I had to leave. At the public toilets I couldn't believe the reflection I saw in the

mirror. My eyes were red and puffy, my skin pale and my hair was frizzy. I looked terrible. Later, at a soup kitchen, I got a free hot meal and I spoke to people who were on the streets because of terrible debts or family break-ups. 19-year-old Rob told me that he couldn't get off the streets because he had no official identity. I suddenly remembered how many times I had walked

past young homeless people and thought, "You should just get a job!" forgetting that you can't be employed without an address and ID. My day as a homeless person has taught me how much the homeless need our help, not our judgment. These days, I donate money to a homeless charity and volunteer at a soup kitchen. Maybe you could do the same.