Jeremy Williams is 63 years old. He was born in Cape Town. He became homeless after his wife of over two decades died. This is his story, in his own words.
What is your name, age and birthplace?
Jeremy Williams, I am 63 years old, and I was born in Cape Town.
Can you tell me a bit about your life before you experienced homelessness and what a normal day looked like then?
Okay, the thing that brought me to the streets was that I was married for 27 years with my wife who passed away of lung cancer. It was a bit hectic, and ... when she passed on ... things that where I stayed, just didn't look right, because every road I walked up was walked and 27 years is a long time. Every road I walked up reminded me of her. I thought I was going to go mad in my head. In the morning I would wake up and think she was busy with the coffee in the kitchen but she was gone already that time. I just thought pack up. I left the house for my children and I left.
What led you to where you are now and were there particular moments that changed the direction of your life?
Well the things that changed my life was when my wife passed on. I mean 27 years is a long time to be married to a woman and you get so used to her and accustomed to her that when she is not there anymore you just feel lost. And even though you got your children around it doesn’t feel the same. And I went to the streets and I tried to ... I think I was sent to the streets also to help a lot of young girls out of Cape Town go home. Because here in Cape Town there guys here that take advantage of the young girls. I didn’t like the idea. I used to motivate them to go home. Then they left and I haven't seen them in Cape Town again so I'm glad to be here, sort of, but it is tough as nails on the streets.
What do you wish people understood better about being homeless?
I always hope they will understand and listen to our voices also because I don’t think we got a voice on the streets. Umm even the foreigners, you can see, when they come past you, they clutch their bag, and it feels so awful for you to stand and watch this happening. And yet, on this lane, I... have so many foreigners, not being mugged or robbed for their stuff. So even the CCID and Law Enforcement actually said ok, I don’t have a permit to park but I can stay here.
What helps you get through difficult days and where do you find strength or support?
Difficult days, I just get on my knees and pray to God to help me see the day through again and lo and behold he does his wondrous thing everyday. Because when you don’t got anything to eat along comes this angel and passes you some bread and something to eat and thats what helps my days go by.
[W]hen you don’t got anything to eat along comes this angel and passes you some bread and something to eat and thats what helps my days go by.
If you could change one thing about how society responds to homelessness, what would it be?
If I could change their way of thinking and just get into their mindset and change their mindset then I think the people on the streets will be better because their mindset must be changed before they can change and we must be the change we want to see.
Where would you like to be now if you could?
Ooh, I would love to be in a hot shower and have a nice bed waiting there for me at night. But, unfortunately, I must go back to my cardboard and blanket and whatever, and that's how it is on the streets, so. 20 years on the streets already.
