"I use the old program pamphlets from the Cultural Center and spread them carefully over the floor. Important to have at least 2 layers to prevent the cold from seeping through. I overlap the pamphlets to make sure my 'mattress' is not scattered all over during the night. Don't worry, the pamphlets are for events that have already passed and we make sure they are disposed off in the morning. We don't want trouble from the authorities. We are also doing the earth a favor too by recycling these pamphlets!"
Personal belongings of a homeless residents neatly bundled up and secured to public seats during the day. At night, the space is transformed into an outdoor bedroom.
"My sleeping space is very simple. The most important thing for me is to protect my neck and chest from the cold at night. I use a cardboard box and slip my body inside when I sleep. It helps me to keep warm that way. The columns here are excellent for sleeping! I can rest my head on the inclined ground between the columns and they are wide enough to protect me from the cold wind."
"You need to pick a branch that is not too dry because it will break if you bend it. Thread the collar label through the twig. Squeeze it into the gap between the tiles and slowly turn it upwards to lock the twig in place. The gap between the tiles on the columns are big enough to hold a twig and I can also make a few clothes hangar.
"We sleep in the 24-hour McDonald's during the winter months, when it is too cold to sleep outside. Much more convenient than sleeping on the street or in the park. It's also cleaner but the overhead lights can make it difficult to fall asleep. But you get used to it after a while. They are kind enough to allow us to spend the night there. But some of the branches will deliberately close off a section by putting a barricade around to prevent people from using the tables. Some allows you to sleep not not lie your head on the table. They will come wake you up if they find out." We can also ask for water from the counter and use their washrooms during the night."
I'll go to the 24-hour internet cafe if I have some money. I'll just buy a drink and a cup of hot noodles, and pass my time surfing the web or sleep." |