Give someone the chance to find their way home this spring

Donate

If it wasn’t for the support of Glass Door Homeless Charity, I would still be sleeping on the streets in Sloane Square.  

When I was just 17, I entered an arranged marriage with a man I didn’t know, and he brought me to London. Navigating this new city and this new life without knowing anyone or any English was extremely difficult. Everything was unfamiliar to me. I felt like I had disappeared in this big, scary city. 

When my marriage broke down, I became homeless. I moved from one friend's house to another. I was so tired from constantly moving. I couldn't find anywhere I could stay for long.  

I worked as a carer which I loved, finding joy in helping others. I was on my own and despite working hard - my income was very low, and I was struggling to find somewhere to live. I was getting rejection after rejection from letting agencies and my local council were unable to help. I didn't know where else to turn. 

Eventually, a friend offered to let me stay with him in exchange for housework and cooking. Then the pandemic struck, and I lost my job. I was devasted.  

Shortly afterwards, I found a job as a cleaner - but once my friend got married, I had to move out.  

Knocking on doors to ask for a place to stay became a nightly ritual, filled with anxiety and uncertainty. I dreaded the dark, not knowing where I would sleep for the night.

 

I was left relying on the kindness of others, until even that faded away. I had nowhere else to go, no-one else to ask.

 

Last December, I hit a low point. I would ride the night buses for as long as I could because it was warmer and safer than the streets. When the bus stopped, I would try to find a quiet area to sleep, where I could feel as safe as possible. I slept near Sloane Square for four long nights. I was really cold and so scared. 

A friend told me about Glass Door after he had been helped by them. That’s when I went to one of Glass Door’s day centres, and met with Caroline, a Glass Door caseworker.  

Caroline registered me at the women’s emergency night shelter and helped me apply for Universal Credit to top up my funds to apply for private rented accommodation. She cared, she listened to me, and she understood me. It took around two months to receive the funding. If it wasn’t for the night shelters, I would have been sleeping on the street again. Caroline was a constant source of comfort.

 

After everything I'd been through, having someone by my side made all the difference.

 

For two months, I stayed at the women’s night shelter. During the day, I continued working as a cleaner and, in the evening, I would go to the shelter, where I would receive a warm welcome, a hearty meal and a safe place to sleep. The food was very good every night and the volunteers and staff were so kind. They would take the time to comfort me when I was having a bad day. I met a lot of friends at the women’s night shelter and I’m still in contact with some of them. 

While I was staying at the shelter, Caroline helped me find a new home. I was so happy and relieved. She also helped me understand the system better, how to pay bills and to put down a deposit.  

My new home has truly changed things for me. I live close to my work, my friends and my community.

 

Today, I’m really happy. I can finally sleep properly because I feel safe. I’m cooking meals for myself again in my new home. I feel confident now. 

I don’t know if this would have been possible without Caroline and Glass Door’s support. 

My story is just one of many. There are so many others who need the same support, the same hope that Glass Door has given me. If you can, please consider supporting Glass Door by making a donation this spring. 

Your gift can give someone else the chance to find their way home, just like I did. 

Hellen