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Speaking about her experiences, Alex reflects on entering the Simon Community Belfast Foyer for the first time.

When I first came here I didn’t have a job. I was coming out the other side of a drug problem. I didn’t really feel like anyone was here for me, and I felt lonely. But over the last few weeks everything’s changed. I’ve been feeling welcome here. I’ve patched things up with my family. I’ve got a job.

Due to a very difficult relationship breakdown, Michael became homeless and had no choice but to live in his car for several months until he found his way to Simon Community.

51-year-old Alister was living with a member of his family in Portadown when the relationship broke down and he was asked to move out. As a result of the family breakdown, he found himself sleeping rough on the streets and unable to sustain his employment due to his situation. Alister realized he had nothing keeping him in Portadown, so he travelled to Larne where he is originally from. Upon his arrival, he managed to purchase a tent and slept under a bridge for extra shelter as the winter months were closing in. One night the temperatures dropped and Alister decided to go to Simon Community Larne to see if they would be able to help.

Osama, a 33-year-old member of the Street Soccer NI team is heading to the Homeless World Cup in Sacramento, California this July.

40-year-old Reuben became homeless following mental health issues after the loss of his mother and sister. When he suffered a mental health breakdown, he ultimately lost everything he knew and his life at home and business began to unravel.

Twenty four year old Courtney from Belfast became homeless with her baby daughter following a family breakdown. Courtney stayed at our Family Centre for six months where she learnt to budget, dividing her money into envelopes to cover weekly costs of heating, food, baby needs etc. When she recently moved into a flat of her own she had no extra money to furnish it, but thanks to help from her Simon Community support worker she was successful in receiving a discretionary support grant which enabled her to get some furniture and kitchen items.

19 year old Gabriel has been with our Transition Project for Separated Children for nearly 2 years. Originally from North Africa, Gabriel is seeking asylum in NI and working closely with our team on settling here in Northern Ireland.

At the age of 17, Ellie had a breakdown of relationship with her mum who asked her to leave her home straight away. Ellie found herself sofa surfing between family members houses until she was put in touch with MACs who then supported Ellie to get back on her feet with a shared flat. Shortly thereafter her tenancy broke down due to environmental reasons and Ellie moved to the Simon Community Foyer Housing.