‘We’re not all addicts’ – homeless man reveals what it’s really like sleeping rough in Ballina
A 58-year-old Ballina man living in his car says public assumptions about homelessness in Ballina are too often shaped by judgement rather than understanding.
Rod Budden spoke to Ballina News Daily after comments on Ballina Crime Reports claimed that most homeless people in Ballina were addicts and thieves.
In his view, those claims ignore the very different circumstances that can lead people into homelessness.
“We’re not all addicts,” he said.
His comments cut to the centre of a growing local debate. Addiction and crime can be part of the picture for some people experiencing homelessness, but they do not define everyone living rough or in unstable conditions.
For Mr Budden, homelessness followed domestic violence, trauma and a lack of meaningful support.
He believes people experiencing homelessness need understanding, not blanket condemnation.
Mr Budden and his best mate Kitty
Mr Budden came to Ballina three months ago because it has a 24-hour police station and he believed it would be a safer place to stay after leaving Coorabell.
After being threatened with a knife, he left for his own safety.
Now living in his car, he says his experience does not fit the stereotype often pushed in public debate.
He does not drink or use drugs, but lives with post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health issues that he manages with support from his doctor and therapist.
Unable to work, he receives disability support, adding another layer to the challenge of trying to find stable housing while living in his car.
His story highlights a broader point: homelessness is not one story, and people without stable housing are not one group.
Some are dealing with addiction. Some are fleeing violence. Some are living with trauma or mental ill-health.
Others are trapped by housing stress, financial hardship or gaps in the support system.
Mr Budden feels safe in Ballina and has also become a source of support for others nearby.
Living alongside others doing it tough, he has seen how much a small act of kindness can matter.
A woman lives in a tent beside his car for her own peace of mind and safety, and he cooks her dinner, as well as meals for several other rough sleepers when he can.
“I am always trying to help out those doing it tough, even the simple act of asking if they are OK or offering a cuppa or a feed can make the world of difference to those who feel downtrodden or outcast,” he said.
He believes there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that people need to be triaged properly, with support directed to where it will do the most good.
For Ballina, his story is a reminder that homelessness is more complex than the labels often attached to it.
Reducing all homeless people to one stereotype does not solve the problem.
It only hardens the judgement around it.
Mr Budden’s life belongings
Mr Budden often cooks
for fellow rough sleepers
Main Photo – Rod Budden’s car in which he lives in alongside fellow rough sleepers.
My heart goes out to the homeless, it can happen to any of us at any time. Loneliness can he unbearable, but having people who understand and can help each other is priceless. If anyone can spare clothing, especially coming up to winter, please give to those who desperately need warm clothes, blankets, plus warm socks. Carry a box in your car and put the clothing items etc, so you can help someone in Ballina.
It’s indeed very sad that we have so many people in our town who are in this situation; and even sadder that others condemn them instead of offering help. Im wondering though, if they are fully aware of where the outlets for free food actually are. Or if any of those people who are less unfortunate have a tent ir a shed that could be used on a not too remote property. Years ago there was a story on telly about a farmer on a huge cattle property. He needed help with his herd and in return, he provided bunk-house sleeping quarters and canteen-style food. It was a huge success; and ‘gave back’ heaps of self-pride to a lot of people. I think lot if people in Ballina have already forgotten just how many people were affected by the devastating floods we had and just how many people completely lost their homes. Many of whom were not insured and are unlikely to ever be able to insure in the future. There’s an old saying whuch is well worth repeating. “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”, so it’s a btter idea if you put your money where your mouth is and offer as much support as you can.