Speaking about her experiences, Alex reflects on entering the Simon Community Belfast Foyer for the first time.
Story
Alex
I remember my first 24 hours; it was scary. I’ve never been in an environment with such a close group of people living together. Financially, I didn’t have anything sorted out. I didn’t understand the benefit system. That’s when the staff stepped in – they advocated for me and helped me with the benefits. They kept me strong whenever I felt like I couldn’t keep myself up.
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Meabh
At just 22, Meabh had already survived years of hidden homelessness – moving between sofas, the streets, and finally finding safety and stability at Simon Community.
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Gavin
In 2019, Gavin, now aged 45, was referred to our Coleraine project after his mother asked him to leave the family home – a place that he had lived for all his life – as she was unable to cope with her son’s alcohol dependency. The transition to temporary accommodation was a traumatic experience for Gavin who not only had to adjust to living in shared accommodation but also had the worries of living away from the familiarities of his hometown.
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Keith
Keith had it all. Wife, kids, a home, an exciting job as a chef and all that came with it. However, his perfect life came tumbling down one Christmas morning when, instead of opening presents as a family, his wife found him overdosed in the bathroom.
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