Life’s tough on the street, says James

Alex de Vos
James Janev was 15 when he found himself living on the streets of Geelong.
Years of couch surfing, house hopping and extended stays at youth refuge centres followed until Time for Youth found him a permanent house with his sister at the age of 18.
He blamed “family issues” for his time amid Geelong’s homeless.
“My father was put in a nursing home and my mother wasn’t coping with four kids.
“It wasn’t working out so I left,” James said.
“I’m settled now and live a pretty quiet life but I’ve been through some very low times.”
James said he battled depression, eating disorders and anxiety attacks while living homeless.
“It was pretty bad,’ he admitted.
“For about two or three months I had nowhere to go. I stayed at a friends’ house for a little while and slept on a baby’s mattress.
“It was really tough.”
James credited Time for Youth with helping put his life back on track.
“They were really good but, unfortunately, there are too many homeless kids in Geelong and they just can’t help everyone,” he said.
“Once you find someone to help you, you’re right but, for kids who aren’t as good at getting out there and trying to find help, they’ve got nothing.”