Michelle Muren shares struggles and resilience in overcoming homelessness in Oslo

At 19, Michelle Alexandra Muren found herself battling depression and addiction, and winters spent homeless in Oslo pushed her into a suicidal state. To survive the brutal cold, she and her then-boyfriend would often take turns sleeping outside on a bench for an entire month during 2008. As she reflects on that period, painful memories resurface.

Originally from Sweden, Muren has overcome past substance issues and now works as a guide for “Gatestemmer,” an organization offering walking tours of Oslo through the experiences of those who have lived on the streets. Nonetheless, the scars of her past remain with her.

She recalls the mental strain of sleeping outdoors, highlighting the constant fear of theft and violence that haunted her. Muren describes the psychological and physical challenges of enduring freezing temperatures, stating that anxiety and stress were persistent issues. Even now, she contends with insomnia and nightmares linked to her time as a homeless individual.

The upcoming winter looms large, and despite existing support systems, many in Oslo still find themselves sleeping outdoors. Blazhka Popova, an emergency accommodation coordinator, reports a lack of capacity as winter approaches. She describes the need for lotteries to determine who receives shelter as a surreal and distressing process, emphasizing the difficulty of sending people back into the cold when they seek help.

Currently, impoverished migrants from EEA countries comprise the largest group in need of urgent accommodation. While Oslo has implemented a “cold amnesty” policy during extreme temperatures, challenges remain in providing adequate support. Muren believes that the fundamental step in assisting those on the streets is to recognize their humanity. After years of feeling unworthy, she now embraces the idea of a hopeful future, asserting her right to not just survive, but to live fully.