Alison Jane Thomas is 46 years old, born at St Monica's in Cape Town. She works as a car guard and unofficial parking attendant in the Gardens neighbourhood. This is her story, in her own words.
What is your name, age and birthplace?
My name is Alison Jane Thomas. Birthplace is St Monicas here in Cape Town. I am 46.
Can you tell me a bit about your life before you experienced homelessness and what a normal day looked like then?
A normal day, before I lost my job, would be up in the morning at 6 and getting ready for work. Then I lost my job, I was at home, I always was being pushed. I must go fetch the children, I must go do this, I must do that. In the same period of time, you understand?
I was caretaking someone. So, this person passed away. So, I stayed on, you understand? Because its like family. So ja.
What led you to where you are now and were there particular moments that changed the direction of your life?
Ok, um...Being pushed and pressurised and stressing at home made me come live to the streets. I thought I would be better off. Sometimes it is and sometimes its not so. But for me its different from each and everybody else.
What do you wish people understood better about being homeless?
Better understanding to homeless people is put yourself in their shoes. Just for a moment. You understand? We don't say become homeless, but there's also stresses on the streets as the same thing at home. You understand? Even more expensive, because you have to care take for you for every day. There's no cooking space sometimes, at least no living space. You are there at home you've got a permanent living space. But just for a while, also.
What helps you get through difficult days and where do you find strength or support?
Strength and support is with the ones that surrounds you, or that's not with you. The memories, that keeps you going. And so, one day, I'm gonna change, I'm gonna be better, or I'm gonna get to that goal so I can support, whoever and whatever. But first you have to support yourself also, because yeah. It's pulling yourself towards yourself. You understand? Finding yourself. Sometimes it takes longer for other than for anybody else.
And so, one day, I'm gonna change, I'm gonna be better.
If you could change one thing about how society responds to homelessness, what would it be?
Stigmatisation, you understand? It's like... So coming from their homes, that means the robbers steal us from us thats homeless. You understand? And then we have to keep quiet. But anything else, there's a lot of nice people that supports us. So I cant say there's a lot of things I need to or want to change. Sometimes its not a choice, you understand. We forced into it by losing loved ones or losing your home or job. And everybody depends on you. It's like you lose your independency. You understand? So you just collapse and get to move on. And then you find yourself at the streets, just the last place you ever thought you'd find yourself.
Where would you like to be now if you could?
Now at the beach! (laughs) For real at the beach. But there are also this work, brings in a bread on the table at least. Not everyday but successfully, the days we count them.
