Simon is a 24-year-old currently living in Simon Community’s Downpatrick temporary accommodation service.
Before joining Simon Community in 2023, he had been homeless for over a year after his mental health deteriorated following a traumatic experience. This led to a breakdown in his family relationships and left him without a support network. Being between jobs and struggling financially, Simon turned to seeking help — and in the nearly two years he’s been with us, he’s made remarkable progress in rebuilding his life.
Here is Simon’s story, in his words.
I have been homeless for three years. After going through a trauma, my mental health suffered, and my relationships with my family broke down. I was asked to leave my family home and, because I was between jobs, I didn’t have the money to rent a flat. That’s when I contacted Simon Community. They listened to my situation and placed me in a temporary accommodation service where I’ve been living for nearly two years.
When I first arrived to Simon Community, I was nervous and anxious. I didn’t know what to expect, and I had never been inside a hostel before. I thought it would be like something you see on TV — a rough and intimidating place. I felt on edge, not knowing the people or the environment. But the staff made me feel welcome and reassured me that they were there to help.
It was such a relief to have a safe place to stay, a roof over my head, and a warm bed.
I was grateful for basics like hot water, food, and a place to wash my clothes. Knowing I had support lifted a weight off my shoulders.
Since coming to Simon Community, I’ve gotten help with my mental health and worked through the trauma I experienced before coming here.
One of the best things has been the friendships I’ve built with the other residents. We understand each other’s experiences and there’s no judgment. We support and push each other to do better.
I’ve even found myself helping others in ways I wouldn’t have before — like when one of my friends was struggling, and I made the calls to his GP for him. It feels good to support someone else.
One of the hardest parts of living here is the embarrassment and stigma around homelessness. I feel reluctant to tell new people I live in temporary accommodation or give out my address for things like my bank. I worry about being judged and what people will think of me.
The staff here have been a huge support.
I talk to my key worker about any worries I have, and we’ve worked together to help me get rehoused faster. They’ve helped me apply for the right housing points and provided support letters to make sure I get what I’m entitled to. They’ve also helped me look for private rentals, though there aren’t many available. The staff have supported me in other ways too — helping me access a dentist, find information about drug use, use food banks when needed, and connecting me with a well-being practitioner who provided a custom support plan to help me with my mental health, offering interventions, coping strategies, and harm reduction techniques tailored to my needs.
This support has been vital in helping me manage my mental health and stay focused on my goals.
Recently, they got us all six-month gym memberships to keep our minds and bodies active. They also organise activities like meals out, cinema trips, mini golf, and Christmas parties. We’ve had games nights, which has been great fun and brings everyone together.
In the long term, I hope to own my own house and have a family — just a stable, happy life with a good job.
In the next six months, my goal is to move out of the hostel and into a private rental or Housing Executive home. From there, I want to get a job, start saving, get my driver’s license, and maybe go back to college to learn a trade for a more stable income.
Anyone can end up in this situation — all it takes is a couple of months out of work, the loss of a partner, or a bad financial decision.
People need to understand that homelessness isn’t just sleeping rough on the streets. Many people are sofa surfing, sleeping in cars, or staying in temporary accommodation. Homelessness can be hidden, and most people don’t see it.
Also, not every homeless person has an addiction or begs on the streets. Most of the people I’ve met through the Simon Community are here because of problems at home, and this place gives them a safe and secure space to rebuild their lives.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, please contact us at 0800-171-2222 or click here to Learn more about the support we provide.
At Simon Community, we respect everyone who comes to us for help. While this story is true, our client's identity has been changed to protect their privacy.