My Story
Testimonials from a few of those that S2H has helped:
Hi there. I’m TB and this is my story.
I looked after my wife when she had cancer and when it came to her final days it hit me like a hammer. Me and my stepson could not get on with each other any more, so I went back to Harlow to see, and be closer to, my family, but they had moved to another town. I started to sleep rough and had to lie on the grass as there was nowhere else to go. Then some people found me and took me to the centre called Streets2Homes where they took care of me. At the centre someone set up a tent for me so that I could keep dry instead of sleeping on the ground. Within a few months I was asked if I would like to have a room. I was over the moon with excitement and very happy that there was a light out there to help me. That was in July so I have been safe and secure since then.
I offered to do some volunteering at the centre, which is good as it gives me my dignity back and helps me to give something back to them for all the help I’ve received.
This is my story, thank you for taking the time to read it.
TB
After suffering abuse from my ex-partner, I had a breakdown and ended up in the Derwent Centre at Harlow Hospital.
When I came out of hospital I had nowhere to go and ended up sleeping on my mum’s settee. My experience had left me feeling alone, I couldn’t eat and couldn’t stop shaking. I sought help from other agencies, one of which suggested I contact Streets2Homes. With my heart in my hands I walked through the gates to the centre. A volunteer and Patsy, the centre manager, sat me down and talked to me. I could not believe that total strangers could be so understanding.
Streets2Homes put me in touch with the Women’s Refuge where I was housed. I can never thank the staff enough for all the on-going help and support they have given me. The daily help with my eating difficulties, my lack of confidence, my trust and my well being has been a lifeline. They have supported me every step of the way, enabling me to become the person I once was, but thought I could never be again.
I now try to help at the centre as a volunteer, knowing how others feel who need love and compassion as well as practical help.
Never judge a book by the cover. Outwardly we all look fine, but inside we all crave and need family, friends and someone to talk to. You cannot put a price on that.
When Ron was homeless he found help at the Harlow Homeless Centre and has writen this short account of his experiences to express his appreciation for the assistance he was given:-At the time that I was homeless and alone in Harlow and surrounding towns I was not aware there was a place called Harlow Homeless Centre (now Street2Homes).
There was a problem that I had a family breakdown and nowhere to go to, no employment, no home, little or no money to survive on.
Then I was told about the Harlow Homeless Centre where I could get a meal, a hot to drink and a friendly chat to uplift me in my situation. At the time I felt that my life was not worth living and that I had lost my dignity, but with the help of Patsy Dye and the staff in the centre I started to regain my dignity by getting myself back into society and recovering a semblance of normality.
When there was little hope in my life that I would be able to do something about my situation, the centre was a refuge and a haven for me. It meant a lot to me then and still does as it has been a key component in regaining control of my life. Because of the support the centre provided when I needed it, I am now able to put something back by volunteering at the centre in order to help other homeless people. It is something that I can now give back to the centre, to the homeless and to the community, but it’s only possible because there is a light in the dark world of homelessness. Thank you for this lighthouse in the midst of the darkness.
Ron