For a larger chunk of my life than I care to remember, between the ages of around 17 and 30, I was homeless, near-homeless or living in substandard housing. I'll never forget the day that I first turned the key in the lock of my own front door, safe in the knowledge that I had my own flat and could stay for as long as I wanted. I celebrated with a fitted carpet, which seemed like the ultimate symbol of a secure home.
I'll also never forget the squats, the short-life housing, the campaigns and the battles for something as basic as a place to live. And I'll never forget the people who I shared all that with.
If there is a purpose behind putting this material about squatting online (together with the associated stuff about housing and homelessness)*, it is to encourage other people who find themselves in similar situations to organise and take action on your own behalf. Seek out friends and allies; don't be intimidated; use your imaginations; and try to ride through the feelings of despondency or despair.
Above all, organise. We are never so weak or vulnerable as when we are alone; never so strong as when we work together. A roof over one's head is a fundamental human right. Too often it takes fighting for.
Contents
Squatting: the real story (1980)
Eric Mattocks (1928-99): from burglar to squatter (1999)
The Diggers then and now (1999)
Home truths: media representations of homelessness (1999)
* I'll be adding to this section of the website as I get the chance -- and to the sections on housing and homelessness. Let me know what you think, or if you have any special requests, via the messageboard.