I’d rather be working ..it’s a vicious circle
Chris Hamilton, 29, from Dalkeith, Midlothian
I served with 1 Scots regiment and did a tour in Afghanistan. But I got a medical discharge because of cruciate ligament damage. The Army don’t really help when you’re out.
When I came out, I split with my missus. She stays in England and I didn’t want to stay there. So I came home – but I didn’t have much to come home to.
I’ve been on the street since March or April last year. I go to Midlothian Council every day but it’s not happening. They have been telling me they are fully booked for over a year. They keep saying there’s nothing available.
I’m embarrassed but I’ve no choice. Well, I have a choice, but I’d be worse off. The money people give me gets me a bed every night.
If customers aren’t shopping, they should rehouse us.
It’s bad enough being homeless without people telling us where and when we can be homeless.
It’s up to individuals whether they want to give. I don’t ask people. They can read my sign.
I’ve not noticed an increase in the number of people.
But you have to understand that so many of the people in Edinburgh are fakes.
I’d rather be working for the money. I’m handing out CVs. I got rejected from McDonald’s.
That really hits your confidence.
Apparently I was overqualified but it’s a vicious circle – if I was qualified, I wouldn’t get the job.
They should rehouse us. It’s bad enough being homeless without people telling us where and when we can be homeless.