Jean (not her real name) is now 67 and became homeless when she was served a “no fault eviction” in 2023.
She had been unwell and living in a health recovery hub for some time. When she went back to her home, she discovered her landlord had closed the flat and thrown everything in a skip - including her parents ashes.
A workman managed to find her dad’s ashes and his medals. But her mum’s ashes, and everything else, including photos, were gone. Jean was devastated. And homeless.
She was referred to The Whitechapel Centre and we supported her during every step.
Jean says, "Whitechapel was brilliant for me when I was going through homelessness. I was helped by Deb during my stay in hotels – and she linked me into Maureen who helped me with my benefits. I had support and understanding. I am very grateful. I was helped with getting glasses and the dentist. Before I just had glasses from Home Bargains, now I've got proper prescription glasses. And at Christmas I got a little present.
“When I moved into my present home, from the hotel, I received some items that I needed such as bedding, toaster, and crockery.”
But most importantly, Jean adds, she had someone who was there for her whatever she was facing. “I had someone at the end of the phone.”
