Following the lockdown implemented by Boris Johnson on March 23, Government ministers called on local authorities to accommodate every homeless person in the country within 48 hours.
The action would temporarily see anyone living on the streets placed in housing, hostels or night shelters, in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect rough sleepers from the brutal virus.
But for many on the streets, the transition from homelessness to accommodation can be an overwhelming experience.
Stephen Barnett has been homeless for 36 years and insists that moving into accommodation would be a severe strain on his mental health.
The 51-year-old said: “Being housed would be no good for me with the way I live my life.”
Stephen said he often finds social situations difficult to manage, and as a result has built himself a makeshift home in a secluded part of Newcastle, where he feels comfortable.
He also creates paintings using bits of scrap wood, which he finds on the street , as a form of escapism.
His isolated lifestyle is a stark contrast to residing in a building in close proximity to potentially large numbers of people.
Stephen adds: “I’ve lived in plenty of hostels before and I would rather be back on the streets as I can’t trust anybody.
“There was one time in a hostel where I thought I trusted somebody and I thought I was sorting my life out, but they stole from me and ran out of the building. I’d rather live the way I am now.”
Since the lockdown, Stephen explains that the impact on his life has been minimal and he still receives deliveries of vital food and essentials from people in the community.
He explains that food parcels are delivered safely, as they are left in a secure place ready to be retrieved around 10 minutes later, providing anyone delivering food the opportunity to reach a safe distance.
Stephen adds that he continues to wash his hands regularly to prevent his chances of catching the virus, however he explains that he is not afraid of contracting coronavirus .
He said: “I’m 51, so if anything happens to me now, I’ll let it happen. I’m not worried about death.”
