We are all two pay cheques away from being homeless, or so the saying goes, and the reality is that many people find themselves on the streets for reasons outside of their control.
In this blog post, we share Paul’s story, who came to us at the end of last year when, at the age of 50, he suddenly found himself homeless after a heart-breaking loss.
When Paul’s father, who lived in Bomere Heath, became ill, Paul agreed to move in to care for him. “I didn’t know that he was dying. I had my own place with a private landlord, then my dad asked me to move in with him,” Paul explains.
Very sadly, Paul’s father passed away in June and despite asking, Shropshire Homes Plus wouldn’t allow Paul to take over his father’s tenancy. The property was returned to the housing provider in November. Unable to stay with siblings, and at a time when he was mourning the loss of his father, Paul found himself homeless.
“I was chucked out onto the street, and they’ve [Shropshire Homes Plus] kept everything I’ve got, all my clothes and all the stuff that dad left to me because I was the one that looked after him,” says Paul.
As he knew Shrewsbury, he headed to the town. Paul had never been homeless or on the streets before, and was terrified. “I didn’t know who to trust,” he says.
“That first night I didn’t know what to do, I was left to my own devices, I went behind the Gateway with a sleeping bag because I felt it was safe there. I was told about The Ark but I’d never been here, so I plucked up the courage and brought myself down. They’ve helped me in no end of ways.”
Rebuilding his life
Understandably, when Paul came to us, he was in a state of shock and despair. Our skilled and compassionate staff gave Paul the much-needed emotional support to help him with the grief and trauma of losing everything - his dad, his home and belongings.
As well as providing life’s basics – food, warmth and washing and laundry facilities - our team also supported and guided Paul through the complicated process of finding accommodation, registering him with Shropshire Homepoint and searching for appropriate private rentals.
Eventually our support worker Laura found a room available in Ludlow, and after speaking to Paul about the potential opportunity, got in touch with the advertiser and arranged an interview.
“I have to share but I don’t mind, it’ll get me back on my feet. I’ve never been to Ludlow before, but it looks nice. I met Jodie and Gemma who run the accommodation, and they interviewed me, The Ark helped me get dressed nice and smart. I’m 50 now so I’m going into a block for over 50s,” says Paul.
“There are other people living there, about five others, it’s got two settees, a brand-new cooker, kettle, everything so I don’t have to buy anything, which is really good because I don’t have anything. “It’s a private landlord and they’ll take my housing allowance, and I only have to pay £30 more. All bills included.
“After the interview they wanted references and Laura had already done them and emailed them over; I couldn’t believe it!”
It was great to have this organised before Christmas so Paul could enjoy Christmas dinner with us, knowing that he would be moving into a new home in the new year.
Devastating news
Sadly, Paul has had to suffer more loss; while Paul had been previously informed that his belongings were in storage and he would be able to get it back, while towards the end of last year we were informed that unfortunately Shropshire Homes Plus had cleared Paul and his dads’ house of all of their possessions.
The organisation had given him 28 days-notice, however, as he was sleeping rough, they had no way of communicating the notice clearly to him.
It was devastating for Paul to learn he’d lost not just all his belongings, but all the physical memories of his father, such as photos and other items personal to him; once again, our staff supported him through this difficult time.
A place called home
Despite this additional loss, Paul is thrilled to have moved into his new home.
“Laura’s going to miss me, she’s a real diamond. The staff have bent over backwards for me and now I think I can start to rebuild my life if I’ve got a place of my own. I was a painter and decorator, and I hope to get back to it,” says Paul.
“My mental health has really struggled, I might need to go on medication if the doctor says so, but I’ve never needed it before and I hope it’s just the current situation that’s brought me down.”
Thank you to the Shrewsbury community
While Paul was living on the streets, he was very grateful for the support from the local community.
“Some of the shops in town are really kind and let me charge things and give me food and drinks. They really help on the weekends when The Ark is closed,” says Paul.
“They’ve been really nice in the Gateway, I keep it really neat and tidy, the lady brought me out a coffee and a mince pie this morning. I said I hope you don’t mind me sleeping here and she said as long as you keep it tidy it’s no trouble, they’re really kind.”
We also put a post on Facebook telling Paul’s story and he was deeply touched by the messages of support, and the generosity of friends of The Ark with gifts and donations of practical items to help him set up his now home.
A brighter future ahead
Thanks to us and the Council’s Rough Sleeper team, and the local community, Paul’s heart-wrenching story has a good ending.
“The Ark was here when I needed it; if you hadn’t been here, I don’t know where I would have been now,” he says. “It’s amazing this place.”
We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Paul over the past few weeks. Your kindness and generosity make a significant difference in the lives of people like him who have lost everything and have no home.
Everything we do to support vulnerable people in our community is because of your generosity – huge thank you!
You can donate to our Trustee fundraising campaign here.
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Your contributions, whether through donations or volunteering, can help us continue our mission of providing support for those in need.
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Together, we can create a brighter future for everyone in our community.