Castlebar group highlight plight of the homeless

Angela Meehan writes about her night sleeping in a Castlebar alleyway

I would like to share with you my experience, the good the bad and the ugly, of spending a night sleeping rough on the street in Castlebar in the hope of raising awareness on the homeless crisis.
A great crowd of people joined together with one goal, to draw people’s attention to the issue of homelessness. The generosity of some of the local businesses was amazing, donating refreshments to keep us fed and watered, the public interacted with us asking questions and giving their support and telling us they respected what we were doing. One lady shared her story with us, it is a story she said that she rarely shares.
Seventeen years ago due to a marriage break up she became homeless, luckily her friend took herself and daughter in but her two sons had to be sent to different relatives’ homes. After sometime she got back on her feet and got her family back together. We thanked her for her honesty and praised her for her fortitude and strength of character. She said as a mother she still carries the shame all these years later at not being able to keep her children with her.
Some of the lads had brought instruments and their music kept us entertained and spirits high. Alison Laredo gave her time so generously taking photos to document the event.
As the pubs started to clear there were many party goers and revellers filling the street, most in good humour and having the banter and craic with us. It was truly heartwarming how many strangers brought us hot drinks and food. Unfortunately we also got to see the uglier side to alcohol; men being antagonistic, those that thought they had a valid point but their point somehow became an incoherent rambling of slurred shouting and cursing. A handful of us stuck it till the bitter end and bedded down in the alleyway. My sleeping bag was heavy, so I was lucky enough to have warmth but as the temperatures dropped I could feel the sharpness in the air filling my lungs and used my scarf to try and filter the cold mist. I am no shrinking violet and I pride myself on being a bit of a tough cookie but that night I felt as far removed from that than I have ever been, I felt totally vulnerable.

Safety issues
As I lay there hearing people passing I thought about the safety issues and what an easy target a homeless person is to be abused verbally and physically. A man that had had one too many lost his footing and fell straight on top of a female sleeper. I never slept. I closed my eyes and tried to dose off (I could get no comfort with the sore ribs on the concrete ground) but again I thought of all the people whose life this is day in day out who are sick or sore .
A random drunk guy then decided he would see if I was warm enough, invading my personal space by trying to hug me. I sat bolt upright and tried to avoid any eye contact. He then grabbed my legs to move me. He was told in no uncertain terms to back off but not taking no for an answer he asked me did I want to go to his place. Luckily his mate dragged him away. I knew some of the lads (who were our guardian angels for the night) weren’t too far away and was ready to shout them if need be. But I sat for a while contemplating being a female on the street and how frightening it must be. I was never so glad to see the sunrise and at 8am we packed up our sleeping bags said our farewells and headed home. I am so thankful for the support of businesses and the general public, I am thankful that I experienced one tiny iota of what it’s like to sleep rough but I am more thankful that I won’t have to repeat it again tonight or please God ever again.
It makes me so humble and grateful for a warm bed, food, heat and my children safety and healthy. I have the utmost respect and admiration for all who will spend tonight, tomorrow and the cold winter trying to find shelter.  We must stand in solidarity and tell our government we as a nation are not willing for our people to be treated in this way.