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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Kirsty became pregnant at 19, she was living in her family home sharing a bedroom with her two sisters. Her living circumstances were overwhelming – she was facing a mental health condition that was inducing stress in the overcrowded house and quickly realised that she was going to need more space to provide for her little girl. Kirsty made the choice to approach the Housing Executive for help with her situation. They accepted her as homeless, and she was offered a place in our Conway Court Family Hostel.
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Unable to continue paying rent for her private rental property, Linda became homeless aged 53. Devasted and having never experienced a hostel environment before, Linda felt anxious when she first arrived at the Simon Community’s Larne project. Hiding out in her room for a while, it wasn’t long before staff and clients reached out to her to help make her feel welcome.
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