A woman’s life spirals after returning home to find she’s been evicted unexpectedly
London: I was having a blast at The World Transformed festival in Liverpool, volunteering and working on some cool projects. It was all about making a difference, especially for the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. But then, I came back home to a nightmare. My landlord had changed the locks on my flat without a word. I was totally blindsided.
In a panic, I rushed to a family member’s place with just the stuff I had from the trip. I couldn’t even get to my clothes or passport, which were locked inside. When I went to the local council, they told me I was on my own. They said I wasn’t a priority and suggested I go back to my overcrowded family home. I hadn’t lived there since I was 15! Plus, I couldn’t even move into a new place without my passport for the checks. It was a mess.
Now, the only options I had were shared rooms. I barely got to see any one-bedroom flats, and when I did, I was up against nurses and students. The council’s support was almost non-existent, and I felt my mental health slipping. Thankfully, I got some help from NHS talking therapies, which made a difference.
Fast forward over a year, and I’m still without a permanent home. I’m bouncing between friends and family while juggling multiple jobs. Even though I’m not on the streets, I’m still considered homeless. It’s wild how many people don’t realize that sofa surfing is a form of homelessness. Back in 2019-2021, there were over half a million households in the UK with someone staying who would otherwise be on the streets.
In London alone, nearly 12,000 people were counted sleeping rough last year, a huge jump from before. Rising costs, high rents, and no-fault evictions are pushing more folks into this situation. It’s heartbreaking.
Groundswell, the charity I’m involved with, is doing amazing work to help those affected by homelessness. Their Listen Up! Project is all about sharing stories and insights from people like me. I joined because I wanted to keep volunteering and help others while sharing my own journey with alcoholism and homelessness.
After being assaulted, I turned to alcohol to cope, but now I’m nine years sober. Being part of Listen Up! has given me a platform to share my story and connect with others. We all come together to talk about our experiences without fear of judgment. It’s empowering.
Through this project, I’ve learned so much about the different reasons people end up homeless. I’ve met folks from all walks of life, and we’ve shared stories that often go unheard. It’s crucial to challenge the stereotypes around homelessness, like the idea that everyone is struggling with addiction. We need to create a space where people feel safe seeking help.
Honestly, the housing situation in London is dire. I’m still sofa surfing and feel further away from finding a stable home than ever. It’s tough, but I’m hopeful that with support, things can change.
Our winter appeal, A Place to Call Home, is working with Comic Relief to fund organizations that help asylum seekers and those facing homelessness. If you want to help, check out comicrelief.com/winter.