Formerly homeless Rotorua man: 'You can't live like that forever'

When homeless, Michael would sleep in this tent in the bushes. Photo / Supplied

Michael lived on and off the streets for seven years. Now he's been off them for six months and this time he's determined to keep it that way.

Michael, who wanted to be known by his first name only, moved to Rotorua in May 2017.

"I moved down from Auckland and wanted to try somewhere different. If you've been homeless it doesn't really matter what town," he told the Rotorua Daily Post.

"There wasn't any reason not to move, and one of my favourite basketball players [Steven Adams] is from here."

Michael lived in a bush in Rotorua, where he had a small tent. He had a solar shower and would heat the water in it by dipping it in the geothermal activity.

Michael heard about the Pouhine Charitable Trust from others on the street and sought help.

When homeless, Michael would sleep in this tent in the bushes. Photo / Supplied

"I enjoyed living on the street ... but you can't live like that forever," he said.

The trust helped Michael find accommodation and now he's working and studying part time.

But it wasn't an easy change.

"When you've been outside for a long time, sleeping in a bed or indoors can be difficult. When I first went in I was always outdoors," he said.

"I was leaving early in the morning and coming back late at night. It felt weird at first.

"I don't collect a lot of things. I've always lived like I could move out the next day."

Michael said this time he was determined to make it work.

"Going indoors allowed me to keep my job. I don't think I'd have been motivated to keep my job for this long," he said.

"I wouldn't have been able to study.

"Now I'm doing some of the things I enjoy doing. There's something else to focus on."

But getting into a house also means more responsibilities and Michael had to give up a volunteering job he enjoyed.

Michael said people's perceptions of homeless were often skewed.

"It's hard to explain. People have this perception of homeless people as what you see in the streets, begging and trying to get as much money as possible. Others are not like that. They have been through circumstances that are not their own fault," he said.

"For me it was gambling. That's how I ended up on the street. When gambling was no longer an issue, I just enjoyed living on the street."

Michael said the Pouhine Charitable Trust was a major help to him as he wasn't receiving a benefit while homeless.

"That's why I needed the trust. Without the benefit or clothing I'm not going to be able to survive."