LIFE AT A CROSSROADS: HOMELESS MAN LIVING ON TRAFFIC ISLAND
HIS home is two green domes filled with all his worldly possessions, protected from the elements by a windbreaker you might see on a beach.
But who is the man living in a tent on a busy Birmingham roundabout?
His name is Simon, and he yearning to “better himself.”
With a voice that could barely be heard above the roar of traffic at Maypole island on the southern tip of the city, Simon said he pitched up three weeks ago after “going back to square one” with his addiction problems.
He single-handedly carried his home from Birmingham city centre to the outskirts of the city near Druids Heath.
Wrapped in multiple jackets and scarves, with hands visibly weathered from the elements, Simon said: “It’s hard in cold temperatures, I walk around to stay warm. It’s quite safe, I’ve come away from Birmingham city centre. I was on methadone before, and I was put into a place where there was other users, and that put me back to square one. I started to use again. I came here on my own.”
He said acts of kindness have carried him through his time on the roundabout.
Local residents have rallied to give him a tent, hot food and drinks and check up on him.
As the Post chatted with him, drivers sounded their horn and gave him a smiling nod of familiarity. Others put their thumbs up, and Simon explained he has experienced no abuse.
Pitched under the shade of some trees, Simon’s home consists of two green tents, and a multi-coloured weather guard you often see on the beach.
The compact site also has a kitchen bin, cooking facilities, washing and drying rack, and bags for life filled to the brim.
“There have been a lot of generous people in the community, I’d just like to thank them,” said Simon, who moved to the Midlands
three years ago from his native Essex.
It was recently reported that more than 600 households every week – including young families – are turning to Birmingham City Council because they are on the verge of becoming homeless or already are.
The cost-of-living crisis, rent and mortgage arrears and social issues are just part of the need that is swamping the city.
Simon said he felt safe in his temporary home but added: “I just want to go to rehab, I’ve done it off my own bat, I just want to better myself.”