Before Ready4Home

Quinton’s homelessness was less visible but no less damaging.

‘’Before Ready4Home, I wasn’t sleeping rough on the streets, but I didn’t have a place of my own either. I was sofa surfing, moving between friends and family, never knowing how long I’d be able to stay and feeling like I’m getting under peoples feet. On the outside it might not have looked as bad, but inside I felt lost and unwanted.’’

The challenges of sofa surfing

While it may have kept him out of the cold, sofa surfing came with its own set difficulties.

‘’People think sofa surging is easier than being on the streets, but it’s its own kind of nightmare. You’re always living out of a bag, feeling like a burden, waiting for the moment someone tells you it’s time to move on. I never felt settled. I never felt like I belonged anywhere.’’

The emotional impact

The instability of hidden homelessness took its toll on Quinton’s mental health and self-worth.

‘’Not having a place to call home broke me down bit by bit. I couldn’t plan my life, I couldn’t hold down work properly, and I was constantly anxious. Even when I had a roof over my head, I felt homeless inside. It was exhausting, and it made me feel invisible.’’

Discovering Ready4Home

When Quinton connected with Ready4Home, he finally found a solution that offered more than temporary fixes.

‘’I didn’t expect much at first, I was used to quick, short-term answers. But Ready4Home was different. They didn’t just patch over the problem, they gave me real support. From the first meeting, I felt listened to and understood.’’

Moving into supported Accommodation

Transitioning from sofa surging to Ready4Home’s supported accommodation was life-changing.

‘’Walking into my own room for the first time was overwhelming. The place was clean, welcoming, and felt like mine. The staff were kind, empathetic, and never judged me for my past. For the first time in years, I unpacked my bag and thought: I’m home.’’

Building a future

Beyond housing, Ready4Home helped Quinton rebuild his independence.

‘’They went above and beyond. They helped me with benefits, finding training, and even guided me towards getting work. They gave me confidence again. It wasn’t just about having a roof over my head, it was about building a life.’’

Transitioning to independence

Eventually, with Ready4Home’s support, Quinton moved into his own property.

‘’The staff prepared me for every step, budgeting, tenancy skills, even just believing it could do it. When I got the keys to my own place, I couldn’t stop smiling. It felt like a new chapter, one I didn’t think I’d ever get to write.’’

Looking back

Quinton now reflects on how far he has come.

‘’Ready4Home changed everything. They took me from being invisible to feeling like a person again. I’m not just sofa surging anymore. I have a home, a future, and the belief that I can make something of myself. I’ll always be grateful for that.’’