Speaking about her experiences, Alex reflects on entering the Simon Community Belfast Foyer for the first time.
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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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David
David didn’t know he was homeless until he arrived home to his flat and was unable to open the front door. Having spent time in numerous hostels over the years and fearful of returning to substance dependency again, David began having suicidal thoughts and reached out for help, finally finding a place at one of Simon Community’s accommodation projects.
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Eskander
When studying electrical engineering at college in 2010, in his home country of Ethiopia, Eskander took part in a student protest to oppose the treatment of the Oromo people: a large minority ethnic group who have been subject to political oppression and state violence. The military arrived and opened fire on the protest group and arrested forty to fifty students – Eskander was one of those students. From there, and without his family’s knowledge, he was sent to an underground prison and was tortured.
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John
This year on Father’s Day John, from Omagh is spending time of reflecting on his journey with Simon Community. It has been one of transformation, not only for him but for his relationship with his children.
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