Tamsen Courtenay on Homelessness
Tamsen Courtenay spent several months interviewing over 150 rough-sleepers in central London. Thirty of those accounts were published in her book Four Feet Under.
On the 4th June 2020 during lockdown Tamsen Courtenay spoke to Together in Barnet and friends about homelessness.
Check out the videos below of the discussions on the issues of homelessness, and two readings from her book.
What is homelessness like?
In the first video Tamsen discusses what it's like to be homeless.
From feet to food, to being ignored, some of the issues homeless people face.
Who is homeless?
In the second video Tamsen discusses who is homeless and whether there are themes and patterns of who ends up on the streets rough-sleeping.
Why are people rough-sleeping?
In the third video Tamsen discusses why some people are homeless and whether there are common issues with rough-sleepers.
What are the challenges of rough-sleeping?
In the fourth video Tamsen talks about some of the challenges faced by homeless people. Living with only what you can carry to the difference between what men and women can earn.
What are the solutions to homelessness?
In the fifth video Tamsen suggests some solutions to homelessness. Is it an irresolvable problem? How would you go about ending it if you could?
Four Feet Under: Food
In the sixth video Tamsen reads from her book an excerpt on food in relation to homelessness.
Is it possible to eat well, living on the streets, without a kitchen? What are the effects?
Four Feet Under: Language & loneliness
In the seventh video Tamsen reads an excerpt from her book on language and loneliness with regard to homelessness. A brief but fascinating look at the ways in which people speak.