Living Under a Canopy of Trees

He lives under a tarp and a canopy of trees. He lives among singing birds and rustling leaves. He’s hidden. He’s alone. He’s content. He’s comfortable. He’s resilient. He’s a trooper.

He’s created his own little whare*. He knows how to stay warm and dry in our damp Aotearoa. His journey has been long, difficult, and varied. He tells me how he's experienced homelessness since 1988.

One day, he trusts me enough to say “Let me show you where I live”. We walk up some stairs, under a handrail and then through the trees, undergrowth, and muddy terrain to his place on a hill. It’s the place he calls home.

He’s made his whare comfortable. It’s calm. It’s peaceful. It’s him. He speaks of his only disturbances being possums and stormy nights. He loves the occasional chicken that invites itself in. I feel honoured, this gentle resilient man has trusted me enough to give me an exclusive tour and invite me into his home.

Affluence surrounds him. He’s hidden, yet only a stone’s throw away from trendy cafes, a tattoo parlour, art galleries, real estate agencies, million-dollar houses and a bustling community of wealth and prestige.

Affluence surrounds him, yet despite the energy and money being spent up the hill, he finds his peace and solitude among the beautiful canopy of trees and singing birds. He’s content. He’s resilient. He’s a trooper.

This man is invisible, but also visible. Most wander on by, but a few gentle kind souls stop and notice and listen. To their distress, this gentleman has a problem that needs urgent attention. Out of concern for their neighbour, they found my number and gave me a call.

That brief phone call from a few women who love their neighbour led to food parcels, advocacy, a couple cups of coffee and an eventual car ride to a doctor in an even more affluent area which relieved his urgent need. A major crisis was diverted! 

This gentle resilient man still lives under a tarp and a canopy of trees. He still lives in poverty surrounded by affluence. He still lives hidden, but because he has neighbours who love him and care for him and watch out for him, they prevent his life from getting remarkably more difficult. 

By coming together, by listening, by walking with someone on their rugged journey, by offering opportunities, by presenting solutions, by lifting up those most vulnerable, love is actualised and hope is created…

*whare=Māori word for hut or house.