Michelle’s life changed overnight – pushing her into a year of fear, instability and hidden homelessness she never imagined could happen to her.

James was in foster homes and care homes from the age of 6 until 18. When he turned 18, he was left to fend for himself and therefore declared himself homeless due to having nowhere to turn to.

I’ll never forget the Christmas when I had to tell myself, ‘This isn’t forever.’ I’m Caitlin and I’m writing to tell you about what happened to me.

Amy, a young woman in her early 20s, is optimistic about her future as she talks about enrolling in University and building a home for her and her daughter. Having recently started a new job supporting young people at risk of becoming homeless, Amy is determined to affect change in housing policy, and in the lives of those who are heading down a path of ‘chronic homelessness and instability,’ a path that she knows all too well.

Christine was 56 years old when she became homeless. She had been in a long-term relationship which broke down after she suffered a sustained period of domestic violence.  Not having anywhere else to go, Christine turned to Simon Community for help and found a warm, safe bed and support at our Bond’s Hill hostel in Derry/Londonderry.