Before Ready4Home

Abigail’s life before Ready4Home was defined by fear, exhaustion and constant danger.

‘’Before I found Ready4Home, I was living on the streets. Every night was a constant battle. I slept in doorways, bus shelters, and sometimes under bridges, anywhere I thought I’d be safe, but nowhere ever was. It was cold, frightening, and I felt invisible to the world. I remember lying awake, listening to footsteps, terrified someone would hurt me’’

Challenges of being street homeless

The dangers of rough sleeping took a heavy toll on Abigail’s mental and physical wellbeing.

‘’Being homeless was terrifying, I was always looking over my shoulder. I faced threats, violence, and other horrific situations I never thought I’d survive. As a woman on the streets, it was even worse. People saw me as vulnerable and tried to take advantage. I never felt safe, not even for a minute.’’

The daily impact of homelessness

Day to day life became a struggle for survival, with little space for hope.

‘’Everyday was about survival, finding food, keeping warm, trying to stay out of harm’s way. I couldn’t think about the future as making it through each day was hard enough. I felt broken, soulless, dirty and completely alone. The streets take away your dignity and make you feel like you’re worthless.’’

The transition into Ready4Home Supported Accommodation

Abigail’s life began to change when she was welcomed into Ready4Home.

‘’The transition was like night and day, one day I was cold and scared on the streets, the next I was in a warm bed in a room safe to call my own. Staff members were checking in on me ensuring I’m okay, they made everything easy and didn’t judge me. For the first time in years, I felt like I could breathe’’.

A Safe Place To Sleep

At Ready4Home we gave Abigail more than a roof over her head, we gave her safety, kindness and belonging.

‘’Having a safe place to sleep changed everything, the staff were incredible, friendly, kind and understanding. They didn’t just give me accommodation, they listened to me, cared about me, and made me feel human again. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe and secure.’’

Welcomed into the community

Abigail also found a sense of community through Ready4Home:

‘’They introduced me to people, made sure I never felt isolated, and helped me feel like part of something. I wasn’t just left alone in a room, Ready4Home helped me build connections and start to fel like I belonged somewhere again.’’

Support beyond housing

The help Abigail received extended far beyond accommodation.

‘’Ready4Home didn’t stop at giving me a bed. They supported me with working out my benefits, accessing healthcare in the local area and also getting me in a position where I can start looking for work. They taught me how to manage a tenancy and made sure I was ready before I moved out into a property of my own. Without them, I’d never have had the confidence to live on my own again.’’

Moving into her own property

With Ready4Homes continued support, Abigail eventually made the move into her own home.

‘’The staff helped me every step of the way, from saving for deposits to finding a place that was right for me. They taught me how to manage a tenancy and made sure I was ready before I moved out. Without them, I’d never have had the confidence to live on my own again.’’

Looking back

Abigail now has a safe, permanent home of her own and a hopeful outlook on life.

‘’Ready4Home changed my life, without them, I don’t know if I’d even be here today. They gave me safety, support, and most of all, hope. I’ve gone from sleeping in doorways to owning my own home and that’s something I never thought would be possible. I’ll always be grateful to them for helping me turn my life around.’’