Maj-Britt
“The Danish system does not focus on solutions but the problem, so social workers become part of the problem instead of part of the solution. They would rather pay a lot of money to keep a problem going instead of solving it.”
Maj-Britt lived on the street for 2 years, from the age of 52 to 54. Maj-Britt’s troubles started in 2004. She got divorced with 2 boysand a third child on the way. She was studying to be a teacher. “Suddenly a lot of things happened.”
Aurel
“Every morning, around 9-9.30 am and around 6 pm, there is a group of Middle Eastern migrants who arrive on their bicycles and scream insults and spit on me. They call me “fucking Romanian gipsy and so forth. Every single day.”
Aurel does not wish to stay in Sweden. His wish is to make enough money begging, to pay for his operation and go back to Romania to pick up his old life; working, paying rent and living the life he was accustomed to.
Bengt
“My alcoholism has been a source of problems in my personal and professional life, but no I don’t want to stop. To do what?”
Bengt has been homeless for 5 months now. (2016) He is unable to find an apartment as he is in debt. He owes the bank 780 000 SKR (equals 80 000 €). The debt is a result of bankruptcy of 2 bistros. Bengt also owes the state money, for unpaid child support.
Göran
58 years old
“I was a bad father, and I can’t even remember it.”
Göran lived on the street for 13 years. 8 Years in shelters and 5 years on the street. He is a former heroin addict, and has been clean for 7 years now. “Tomorrow is the anniversary for when I got my own flat. I have had my own home for 3 years now. Can you believe it? Isn’t that amazing, I’m so happy.”
Bobo
76 years old (Copenhagen)
“There is less bureaucracy here in Denmark. People are friendlier and more open minded, just nicer people. But they are racists”
Elena, Doina, Paula
(41, 51 and 37 years old)
“Life was better during the Ceausescu regime.”
Leo
26 years old (Copenhagen, Denmark)
“There is no place like home.”
“I’m not from the good part of the world”. Leo decided to leave Biafra, not only because of the poverty but also out of danger for his life and lack of future. “People are dying in my country.” Leo left his mother and sister behind in Biafra. Life as a homeless illegal refugee in Denmark is rough. “This is not what I expected.” Leo hopes to get his passport and papers in order to stay in Denmark legally. In the meantime he
Constantine
37 years old (Malmö)
“I want to go home.”
Christian & Susanne
38 & 28 years old (Copenhagen)
“The only way I know how to handle pressure is by getting fried.”