Gema

“Nobody ever said life was easy”

Gema
Has lived on the street

“I’ve lived on the street a few times. When I think about it I get these feelings that are difficult to explain. Sadness, confusion, insecurity… Maybe the worst thing for me was the insecurity that you feel. You live with an incredible amount of fear because the majority of the time you’re in danger – especially as a woman.

The first time I ended up in the street I got very depressed. I sat down in a corner and I didn’t move. I was indifferent to everything; sometimes I begged, but only occasionally. I felt invisible but I almost preferred it that way. I thought that somebody would come and rescue me, but nobody ever came.

At night, I would see the brightly lit windows and wished to be inside, to have a safe space. That is what I value most, now. To get home, close the door, and feel calm.

That said, not everything is solved with a roof; you have to keep fighting. Nobody ever said life was easy.”