Former Homeless Man Returns to Streets to Highlight Plight of Others

An individual who previously experienced homelessness, and whose tent was once deliberately ignited by young people, has gone back to the streets to draw attention to the difficult circumstances of others experiencing rough sleeping. Mark Penn, aged 54, who currently directs the charity Help the Homelezz, is spending 48 hours sleeping in a shop doorway in Goole, East Yorkshire. During this period, he will depend on sustenance and hydration offered by individuals passing by. Mr. Penn characterized his experience of homelessness in his twenties as profoundly frightening. He recounted a specific event: “A load of youths were throwing stones at me, putting knives through the tent,” adding, “They decided to set it on fire. The whole tent was going up in flames.” He further stated: “My feet were on fire. I was absolutely petrified.” When he was 26, Mr. Penn resided on the streets for half a year. He encountered continuous difficulties in securing nourishment, hydration, and a secure location for rest. He remarked, “It was survival day by day.” Adverse weather conditions presented additional obstacles. Mr. Penn’s feet bear dark scars, serving as evidence of the frostbite he endured during periods of low temperatures. He stated: “I had plastic bags on me feet. You go to sleep. You will without a doubt wake up many times cold, laying in an awkward position. People have gone to sleep and never woken up.” On a particular rainy day, Mr. Penn was compelled to seek shelter and sleep in public restroom facilities. He described the experience: “I was on the cold floor up against the wall. How does that make anybody feel? I knew this couldn’t happen again.” Four years prior, Mr. Penn established the charity, and since then, he and a group of volunteers have distributed provisions such as food and beverages to individuals in need throughout Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. The father of one child commenced his return to the streets on Friday, equipped with a backpack, a pillow, and a sleeping bag. His intention is to remain sleeping outdoors until Sunday. He indicated that undertaking this challenge had reawakened recollections of apprehension and the struggle for existence. He stated: “For the last 36 hours I’ve had nerves, I felt sick. But I’ve got a choice and I want to do this for all these people out on the street.” The pre-owned white van utilized for conveying the charity’s supplies is in poor condition, and he aims to accumulate donations to acquire a replacement vehicle. Mr. Penn acknowledged that charitable endeavors present their own difficulties. However, he concluded: “If I could get off the streets, I believe we can get as many people as possible off the streets.”