Steve (not his real name) shared his story with us around 15 years ago and, as we’re looking back over five decades, we’re remembering it again during our anniversary year. Steve told us, “I wanted to share my story with others to show that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
In 2009, he “found myself homeless and living on the streets. I’d walk around all day just to pass the time, sometimes drinking in the parks with others in the same boat as me, getting handouts off anyone who would give to us. I was often moved on by the police and would take cover in bus shelters from the rain and snow. Things could not have been any worse.
“One day a mate told me to go to a place called the Whitechapel Centre and they’d help me. I went along and met their homeless expert, who was great and helped me register and bid for a flat. She put me in touch with a worker from their resettlement team and he came to meet me.
“I got a place in a hostel and then I did get a flat. I moved in with nothing, sleeping on the floor to begin with and going to Whitechapel to get a hot meal. Whitechapel helped me get some furniture too.
“Looking back, I would never have imagined I would be living in a lovely flat with nice furniture and feeling that life could be this good. One thing I would say to anybody is if you are homeless and need a helping hand, go to the Whitechapel Centre.”
