- [Interviewer] Carl.
- Yes, sir.
- [Interviewer] We're here in London.
- Yeah, I know.
- [Interviewer] And immediately
when I said hello to you
and asked you if wanted hand warmers,
I noticed you're from America.
- Yeah.
- So you're sleeping rough out here.
- Yes, I am for about another week or so.
- [Interviewer] Yeah, but
how long you been out?
- Ah, about a week now.
- [Interviewer] A week homeless.
- Yep.
- [Interviewer] It's freezing.
- Yeah.
Thank God I come from up north
where I'm semi used to it.
- [Interviewer] You're from Iowa, right?
- Yep, I lived there for
approximately four years.
Before that I've lived all
over the U.S., actually.
- [Interviewer] So, how does
an American end up homeless
in London?
(chuckles)
- Relying on somebody
else to give you support
when things don't work out.
The U.S. Embassy told me
after my money ran out
there was nothing they could
do to me 'cause I did not
fit their criteria because I
had spent all of my own money
and it was not lost or stolen.
And I still had my passport
so they couldn't get me help
getting a new passport
'cause I didn't need it.
And then finally I did find
an organization here in London
that was not connected to
any of the governments that
through applying through an application
I am voluntarily being deported.
Yeah, isn't that lovely?
- [Interviewer] Oh, you're a refugee here?
- Basically, yeah.
- [Interviewer] I mean that's crazy.
And, now last night you slept where?
- Right up there by
the McDonald's outside.
- [Interviewer] Oh my gosh.
And tonight you're sleeping where?
- Probably the same exact spot.
- [Interviewer] I mean my,
I mean you're bundled up good.
My hands, I'm freaking out
'cause I don't have gloves
and it's like.
It literally is freezing or below.
- Years of experience of
being out camping and stuff
you learn to layer.
I've got on two sweatshirts,
a long sleeve tee shirt, a tee shirt,
and a sleeveless tee shirt.
I've got on a pair of
jeans, two pairs of socks,
and a pair of flannel sleep
pants just so I stay warm,
- [Interviewer] And now
you got hand warmers.
- And now I got hand warmers.
Thanks a lot.
It's been years since I've seen them.
- [Interviewer] So, yeah,
I mean the rough sleepers
here don't know of them.
So, your future's gonna pick up because
you're going back home.
- Yeah, I'm going back to
a friend of mine in Texas
and from there I'm gonna
get back on my feet
and get back to work.
I don't care what kind of job it is.
The part that makes the
situation so much worse is
legally I can't get a job over here
so I can make no income while
I'm here to help myself out.
- [Interviewer] Right.
No, I mean it's,
we've been doing the you know,
I've been traveling homeless services
and you know the story
about immigrants here
and they all brought up
there's quite a few Americans.
So, here I am talking to one.
Wow.
I was in shock when you, oh my gosh.
- Yeah.
- [Interviewer] Still in shock.
So, but it's an honor to meet you.
And I'm glad you're getting you're-
- Ah, it's nice to meet you, too.
At least you found somebody that
the American side of
the people will actually
100% understand.
So, definitely make sure
if you do travel abroad,
make sure you have a backup plan.
And a backup plan for your backup plan.
(laughing)
'Case you never know
what will come up.
- [Interviewer] Right.
If you had three wishes
what would they be?
- To be home
or at least have somewhere warm to sleep,
and something to have dinner.
- [Interviewer] Well,
thank you very much for
talking to me.
- And thank you for interviewing me.
