An inside look at being homeless

Dear Editor:

I have read some appallingly cruel letters about the homeless from taxpayers who seem to feel we are living an easy life, getting all manner of handouts and benefits and care.

These benefits are by no means available to all homeless!

Further, most of the homeless have been traumatized beyond what the more fortunate can even imagine.

And just being homeless is itself deeply traumatizing. Every single breath one takes is on Somebody Else’s Property and they can force you to leave. You have nowhere you can call your own, nowhere where you can relax and let your guard down.

You feel non-human, like a thrownaway piece of trash. Many of the people living in tents don’t even have access to toilets. And then society looks down on you, judges you as being lazy and immoral.

I have been a farmer for most of my life. Before farming full-time, I struggled for many years trying to get a well-paid job as a woman in a “non-traditional” trade.

The sexism, the grossly unfair treatment I was subjected to would fill a book. Even when working full-time (and farming on the side) I could not afford to live in a place with running water and electricity!

I did not get my three titanium prosthetic joints by sitting in front of a television set. I have worked hard my entire life. Almost two years ago I lost my lease, my beloved and prize-winning herd, and my home. There are many out there with stories similar to mine.

I am 61 and alone. Life has lost all sweetness. There is nothing to live for any more.

And to constantly hear or read about how horrible, dirty, druggy, crazy, violent and criminal we homeless are is a real slap in the face.

For crying out loud, we are human beings like the rest of you!

Willi Boepple Rock Bay Landing

Victoria