My name is James, and I’m 56 years old. Football has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve been a loyal Arsenal supporter for as long as I can remember. I also enjoy fishing, though it’s become more challenging recently because of arthritis in my leg. Despite the pain, I still find peace in the quiet moments by the water, even if I can’t fish as often as I’d like.

I’ve spent most of my life in this area, on and off, for about 40 years. My journey started in Paddington, where I was born. I lived in a tough estate in Kensal Rise, but my parents moved me out of there when I was just a year old, hoping for a better future for me. I grew up in this area, and it’s always felt like home, despite the many ups and downs I’ve faced.

I got married in Welwyn Garden City, and for a time, life seemed to be on track. But after five years, my marriage ended. The breakup hit me hard, and I found myself moving back in with my dad. Sadly, my dad passed away from cancer not long after, leaving me with a deep sense of loss and uncertainty. With no stable home, I ended up homeless, bouncing from one temporary situation to another. It was a difficult and chaotic time in my life.

Eventually, I met someone new, and we were together for 12 years. Those years brought some stability back into my life, but then COVID-19 hit, and the strain of the pandemic took its toll on our relationship. When things fell apart, I found myself back on the streets, struggling once again to find a place to stay. I ended up living with my brother in Welwyn. He has five kids and a wife, but only a three-bedroom house, so it was far from an ideal situation. The house was overcrowded, and I knew I couldn’t stay there long-term.

I reached out to the council for help, and they connected me with a hostel where I could stay temporarily. I spent about a year there, trying to get back on my feet. After that, I was moved into an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation), which provided me with a bit more stability, but it was still a temporary solution. Unfortunately, that contract ended, and last year I found myself homeless again. This time, I was living in a tent during Storm Ciaran, enduring five weeks of sheer hell. The cold, the rain, and the uncertainty of where I’d end up next took a heavy toll on me both physically and mentally.

The council contacted me during this time, informing me that I was going to be made homeless on November 21st, but by then, I had already been living on the streets since October 21st. The situation was dire, and I didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully, they eventually put me in touch with an organisation that has been a real lifeline. In just six months, they’ve done more for me than anyone else did in over two years.

Since connecting with this organisation, I’ve been able to address some critical issues that had been holding me back. I finally got x-rays on my ankle, which had been causing me a lot of pain. I also got a new pair of reading glasses, something I had needed for a long time but couldn’t afford. On top of that, I’m getting a new set of dentures, which might seem like a small thing to some, but it has made a world of difference for me. These basic necessities have given me back some of the confidence I had lost over the years. Before, if I went to a pub or a social gathering and didn’t know anyone, I’d sit in a corner, trying to stay out of sight, feeling self-conscious and anxious. But since meeting Tom and the team at this organisation, something clicked. They’ve become like a family to me, helping me rebuild my self-esteem and regain a sense of belonging.

I interact with the others in my house from time to time, and we always greet each other and have a chat. It’s a supportive environment, and it’s helped me feel less isolated. I’ve got six months left on my current contract, and I’m really hoping to have a place of my own by the end of it. When I spoke to the council last year, they told me to keep bidding for housing for another two years. But I’m nearly 58, and it’s time I had my own place. I’ve been through too much to end up back on the streets again. If I don’t find somewhere by the time this contract ends, I’m afraid I’ll be right back where I started, back on the streets, starting all over again from square one.

This journey has been long and challenging, but I’m determined to keep moving forward. I’ve learned that life can change in an instant, and while the future is uncertain, I’m holding onto the hope that things will get better. I’m not giving up. I’ve come too far to turn back now.