FOCUS: New home. New hope.

Tuesday 10 October 2023

To mark World Homeless Day, an islander who experienced homelessness in 2021 has shared his story and explained how local charity Sanctuary Trust helped him as he moves into his own place.

Chris* left Sanctuary Trust this summer. He has moved into a new home and has new hope for the future. He attributes it all to the charity. The team thinks he did all the hard work.

After experiencing homelessness in 2021, Chris was referred to Sanctuary Trust. He got a room at the entry house, Sanctuary House in St Aubin, and nine months later moved to Sanctuary Lodge, the charity’s second stage property.

Today, he gets the keys to his new place...

How long were you at Sanctuary?

Near enough two-and-a-half years, roughly. I became homeless after I got kicked out of my parents' place and had to live on the streets. At the time, I was suffering with a mental illness, but I didn't know I was. I was referred to Sanctuary House and had an assessment with two support workers to see whether my character would blend with the other residents living there. A week later, I moved in. It all happened pretty quickly, and, from then on, the team helped me settle in.

How was your time at Sanctuary?

It's been fantastic. I've got nothing but positive things to say about Sanctuary and the people who work there. They've helped me out a lot from a period of having nothing to having something now. I've got my own place now, thanks to Sanctuary.

How did the team at Sanctuary help you?

The team have been brilliant – they've helped me every step of the way. I will be forever grateful. They have seen what I have been going through. I went through a really rough period, and they helped me through it, from the rough end of the stick to the brighter days now.

What was the process like to find a new place to live?

It was quite quick. The Sanctuary team helped me with all the paperwork for which I am very grateful. A couple of months from submitting the application, and I had my own Andium flat. So, I was pretty lucky.

You left Sanctuary a couple of weeks ago and moved into your new place. What does the future hold?

At the moment, I will remain in contact with Sanctuary due to what they have done for me. Everything is being sorted at my new flat – from carpets to furniture. Eventually, in my own time, when I'm ready, I will go back to work. The plan is to go back to work and save for a brighter future, rather than being stuck in the same position as before, and to learn from my mistakes. I want to prevent myself from finding myself homeless again.

What changed to make you feel you were ready to move into your own place?

The main thing was privacy. You live with a great bunch of lads, but it came to a point when I needed my own space. I was getting too stuck in my comfort zone, and I thought that, in order to take myself to the next level, for me to grow as a person, I needed to leave and move onto the next place and that would help me feel more confident. I made the choice – the time was right.

How does it feel to have your own place? What have the emotions been like?

I was sad at first, I'm not going to lie. I was sad. But I know it's all part of the journey – all the emotions, after everything I've been through, the trials and the tribulation. I was gutted that I was moving on, but I knew at the same time it had to be done as otherwise I wouldn't be progressing in life. I knew I needed my own place eventually.

Do you feel that you have grown as a person since at Sanctuary?

Without a doubt. I've become stronger. But that's with the help from everyone at Sanctuary. I wouldn't be the person I am today if it wasn't for them. Over a period of time, I have got more confident. I really appreciate everything that's been done for me, the help and support I've received.

What would you say to people about Sanctuary?

Both the staff and residents are great. I got on with all the residents and the team have been brilliant, helping me. They are always there for you – they'll be there for you until you reach the point where you no longer need their support. The help is there, and I would advise anyone who is struggling to take advantage of that help, because you'd be lost without them, in my opinion. Anyone who finds themselves facing homelessness should reach out to the team at Sanctuary. They will help.

How do you feel about the next chapter in your life?

Excited but nervous. The fear kind of took control of me before I moved on from Sanctuary Lodge. But it's all about taking advantage of the fear and conquering that, taking it to the next level –it's one thing I struggle with at the moment. But I know there's a brighter future ahead of me because everything right now is in place. Life is only going to get better.

*Chris' name has been changed to protect his identity and privacy.

SUPPORT...

Could you Sleep Out?

Think you could sleep rough to help the Sanctuary Trust? It's annual – and most important – fundraiser, the Pier Road car park Sleep Out is taking place on 17 November. Find out more details and sign up by clicking HERE.

Make a donation...

Sanctuary Trust is the official charity partner of Bailiwick Express and Connect Magazine. 

Sanctuary does not receive Government funding, so relies on its own fundraising efforts and donations from the public. Every little helps: a monthly standing order of £50 would go towards the cost of providing meals for one of our residents.

Click HERE to support the charity.

READ MORE...

This article first appeared in the September edition of Connect Magazine, which you can pick up for free around the island or read in full below...