Homelessness is a lifestyle choice
Most of the time homelessness is triggered by events that are not within a person’s control.
Women or men who flee domestic violence and abuse are not choosing to become homeless. We know people who identify as LGBT are often forced to leave their family homes due to abuse from family members.
What person would choose to experience homelessness unless it was safer than any of the alternatives?
Kerry
I lost my partner 9 years ago. He died suddenly and I turned to drugs and alcohol to hide the pain. I then got into a domestic relationship and lost my flat due to not leaving the partner. I became homeless and slept rough for 18 months.
St Paul’s has helped me leave my partner. The counselling service continue to help me build my confidence and believe in myself. It has helped me to reconnect with my family, stop my addiction and I have gained mentoring and counselling qualifications. I volunteer in the kitchen at St Paul’s and also arrange all the jobs for other residents to do each week.
I would like to work with young adults or vulnerable adults to offer my experiences in life.
Homelessness can happen very quickly.
Sam.
My dad lost the house we grew up in because he spent money on drink. I spent about 1 year rough sleeping.
St Paul’s has helped me by giving me a chance to volunteer in their kitchen, take part in cleaning duties and clean other residents rooms. I earn points doing this and buy myself things. This gives me a focus.
I have a health condition but I still want to find work that I can do.
Homelessness is no laughing matter.
£10 would help someone like Kerry to travel and re-connect with her family
£5 helps Sam help himself through our ‘Rewards Scheme’. It offers the opportunity to undertake community chores and light work in return for a non-cash rewards.