Michael, above, is 47 and for the past two years has slept in a doorway only yards from the regeneration work at Dundee’s Waterfront.
He has had a birdseye view of the progress of the £1 billion redevelopment and has his own thoughts on it from the perspective of his doorway — the only home he knows.
He said: “I wouldn’t say the Waterfront is a waste of money but it’s costing an awful lot.
“And in the meantime there are people like me sleeping rough in Dundee.
“And there are others who are regularly cold and hungry but that’s just the way it is.”
Michael said he wasn’t complaining and is content with his lot, for the time being. Although he does admit that he doesn’t want to live like this forever.
The Tele met Michael recently after a night time drive around the city and were joined by Gareth Norman from the Night Ministry charity.
During our journey, we witnessed tears, laughter, despair, hope, rejection — and also incredible kindness.
In just a few hours travelling with Gareth in the charity’s converted ambulance, it showed a side to the city that not too many people have witnessed.
Hunger, poverty and homelessness were only too obvious.
But on the positive side, the efforts of fellow Dundonians who are tackling the social deprivation issues faced by many are inspirational and heart-warming.
Earlier this year, Dundee was described by the Fairness Commission as being a city that presented two faces to the world; one to the people who live here and one that the rest of the world sees.
A report by the commission said Dundee was “a modern vibrant city which has undergone a remarkable transformation”.
It added: “At the same time there is another Dundee where levels of poverty and deprivation make every day life a struggle for individuals, families and communities across the city.”
Michael is a very glaring example of this contrast.
By day, he begs at the railway station and by night he sleeps outside, whatever the elements throw at him.
However, Michael has chosen to sleep rough. He prefers his quiet doorstep to sleeping in hostels, which he says can be frightening places.
He added: “Hostels can be noisy, hostile and scary, with people trying to steal your belongings or getting involved in arguments over drugs.”
And in his two years in the doorway, which is also in the shadow of a top city hotel, Michael has made some surprising friends.
On the day we met him, just as the nights are drawing colder, a regular passerby presented him with a camp bed, a new sleeping bag and a cosy new jacket.
He added: “People can be incredibly kind and so many bring me food, hot drinks and warm clothing on a regular basis.”
Then there’s Gareth Norman himself, described by many of the people we met as their guardian angel.
When we first met up with him he was handing out hot chocolate, duvets and warm clothing. He also offered practical help, advice and words of support and encouragement.
Due to a lack of volunteers, a regular soup kitchen didn’t make it on to the streets the night we were out, leaving around a dozen hungry people desperate for something to eat.
Nicky, 37, was in tears and completely at her wits end when Gareth handed her a hot drink, a new duvet and warm clothing and she said: “I came here tonight because I am so hungry.
“I haven’t eaten properly for two weeks and have now used up the number of times I can turn to the foodbank for help for this period.”
Nicky said she was recently sanctioned by the benefits agency for missing an appointment and not filling a job centre form properly.
She added: “I’m really desperate now and have even considered begging or shoplifting food but I really don’t want to have to do that.
“People who commit a crime and are jailed have a better time than me with regular meals and a warm bed every night.”
James and Frankie were sitting begging in the city centre when Gareth approached them.
Both were planning to sleep rough.
Thanks to Gareth and his gifts of a duvet and a sleeping bag, their night was going to be a little more comfortable.
Gareth added: “Anyone could end up in this situation and we try to do what we can.
“A close family member of mine was shown incredible kindness by a stranger when he had a serious heroin addiction. This is my way of paying back that back.”