Why do people without a home stay in the town centre?

Whether its politics or football, or discussing life's challenges, we have some really interesting conversations at the Ark.

This one started with the question, why do homeless people stay in the town centre?

Some may find the resulting conversation surprising.

People find themselves on the streets for a wide variety of reasons, including economic hardship, family breakdown, or health issues. Most gravitate to the town centre because of amenities, warmth, and the safety of being near CCTV, but the reality can be far from comfortable.

Risk of violent attacks

"People can, and do, frequently kick your head in," one person who is using our services shared, highlighting the danger of being out in public.

The risk of hypothermia and violent attacks is real, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to face physical assaults, especially after the pubs close.

"People tend to get attacked on weekends," one person explained. "The cheap alcohol and blind drunkenness lead to angry attacks on anyone seen as different, including those without a home."

A recent survey we did showed that 80% of people using our services have experienced such attacks.

While towns may offer some semblance of safety, rural areas present their own challenges. Isolated in woodlands or remote locations, individuals may fall victim to the darkness of anonymity, where drug use and criminal activities, like "county lines" dealing, become more prevalent.

Stigma and judgement

Despite being surrounded by people, many homeless individuals feel invisible. "Why can’t we be seen? Why can’t we sit around and talk?" asked one individual.

The stigma attached to homelessness often leads to discrimination and harsh judgment based on appearances.

Even when you look "smart," as one individual shared about himself, the judgment remains.

However, many of these individuals are far from what the stereotypes suggest; some are artists, musicians, or even cooks, and are simply trying to make a living while navigating the hardships of homelessness.

One individual mentioned his dream of having an art studio on the English Bridge, where he could create and sell his work, something he has done in the past with charcoal commissions.

Increased vulnerability

Homelessness comes with a sense of instability.

"I felt violated," one individual said, describing the theft of personal items from his camp in a semi-rural location. While the items may not have much monetary value, they held deep personal significance. "It's my home, whether it’s a tent or not," he explained.

Losing these belongings can feel like losing a piece of one’s identity.

The emotional impact of living in constant fear of loss or harm takes its toll mentally. The bonds formed with other homeless individuals, often based on trust and camaraderie, can be broken in an instant. And with every violation, it becomes harder to trust again.

A safe place

At The Ark we’re committed to offering more than just shelter. We aim to provide a community where individuals can rebuild trust, pursue their passions, and eventually find a path to permanent housing.

But we need your help.

Every donation, every moment you take to listen and understand, helps us make a difference.

Join us in supporting our homeless community. Together, we can help bring visibility to those who are often overlooked.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who support us!

We are currently supporting 30 people in our community and are at capacity.

We never charge for our services. We don't receive any government funding and are reliant on grants, our team of volunteers and your support.

Everything we do to support vulnerable people in our community, and help them make positive changes, is because of your generosity.

Could you support our CEO Sleepout at The Croud Meadow next month? If you or your team would like to join us, sleeping out to raise awareness of homelessness, it's not too late to join - find out more here.

Or you can make a donation directly into our CAF bank account here.

If you are looking for a volunteer role, either at the day centre or at our shop, please get in touch.

And please do spread the word - follow us on social media and give us a shout-out: we’re active on X (formally known as Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TicToc.