I am interested to hear what Ponsonbyites think about the Police likely having more power to move homeless people off the streets. I believe the rough sleepers and beggars who spend hours, days and for some familiar life worn faces even years sitting on the pavements at Three Lamps are part of our community. I have spoken to many of them over the years and learnt that they do not become homeless overnight. There is a plethora of reasons they are living like they are including addiction, mental health, a brain injury, abuse in their youth, poverty and a shortage of public housing. One man told me he was sent to a ‘half-way house’ and found the behaviour of other residents along with his fear of being stuck in a small room too grim. He chose to return to rough sleeping.
Everyone has a story to tell and for many of these people it is a sad one. I am not wanting to be pitying or patronising but understand more about their circumstance.
I respect that if someone becomes unruly or parks themselves and their belongings - ranging from a shopping trolley to boxes and blankets - in front of a shop it can negatively affect retail. However, I believe that more often than not if they are asked politely, they will often move along to a different piece of pavement. I also support shop owners calling police if the person’s behaviour is unacceptable.
The Government’s Move-On bill passed its first reading last month and is currently in front of the Justice Committee. If it becomes law rough sleepers can potentially face a fine of several thousand dollars and even imprisonment. I don’t believe being homeless should mean someone is a criminal. I don’t know what a solution looks like but am comfortable with rough sleepers being part of my suburb. It concerns me that it appears social agencies that are already overloaded will be expected to find a roof and bed for them.
We are all part of our diverse Ponsonby hood and come from a rainbow of backgrounds and upbringings. Our own life lotteries are just that - unpredictable and beyond our control. I often bluntly take it for granted that I have a warm home and can choose to sometimes dine out and use my passport to travel.
It was raining last week in the evening when I dashed into a sushi shop to order a takeaway meal at Three Lamps. A man with more luggage under his eyes than the pile of his life sitting beside him was leaning against the wall with his legs stretched out. I gave him a mince and cheese pie and some chocolate from the superette. As he ate his pie with a hospital band on his wrist, we chatted and watched the water overflow from the shop spouting. I learnt a lot.
Sally Wenley, Ponsonby
Letter to the Editor: Homeless in Ponsonby
