We share the stories of those with lived experience of homelessness and those working to end it. Through these voices, we raise awareness, inform research and raise funds to support young people and to end youth homelessness.
Samsom, 18, came to the UK in 2023 as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child, after he had to leave his home country of Eritrea. After living with his foster family until he was 16, he moved into a Centrepoint supported home. He's now thriving academically, having recently won Student of the Year at his college and being recognised through the Centrepoint Educational Excellence award.
Isaiah, 18, came to Centrepoint after his Special Guardianship Order (SGO) ended as he became a young adult. Since living with Centrepoint he's been developing his cooking abilities, growing his independent skills and has recently helped with planting a new garden at his supported home.
Jess was referred to Centrepoint when due to unforeseen circumstances, she had to leave her family home. She was denied support from the council and applied to Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme. After applying to the programme, she was quickly accepted and stayed at the rent-capped accommodation for two years. She recently bought her first home at auction and is excited to start making the place feel like her own.
Gill started volunteering 4 years ago after taking early retirement and looking for something that could give her a sense of purpose and direction. Whilst volunteering she's been involved in a variety of activities from coaching young people to supporting with ESOL and cheering on Centrepoint Marathon runners. We are so grateful for all of the support that Gill has given during her time as a volunteer and are excited for what comes next in her journey with Centrepoint.
NB, 23, came to Centrepoint after leaving the care system and moving in with her boyfriend. After falling pregnant with their first child, her home became an unsafe and unstable environment for her and her new born and she was referred to Centrepoint. She's now thriving with her two children and getting ready to move onto their own home in the near future.
Momo, 20, found Centrepoint after a family breakdown left him in a precarious situation of rough sleeping and sofa surfing. With the support of the Rough Sleeper's Team, he's now settled into his new home and working towards his dream of one day owning a garage.
Aman, 25, came to UK as a refugee from Eritrea and after receiving his status was forced to rough sleep. He was supported by the Rough Sleeper's Team in Manchester who found him a place in a supported accommodation and the Jobs and Education Team who helped him into a new job.
Isabelle, 24, was due to give birth when she found herself at risk of homelessness. Through Centrepoint's Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme, she was able to find a home for her and her newborn and is now setting up her own beauty business.
Tiah, 18, came to Centrepoint following some difficulties in the relationship with her mum. After living in care until her 18th birthday she was referred to Centrepoint. Her skills and confidence have gone from strength to strength and she's now looking forward to an independent future.
Lolo, 23, was referred to Centrepoint support by her social worker following a year of sofa surfing. She was struggling to find somewhere affordable and appropriate for her and her one-year-old and was just about to give birth to her second child. She is now settled into her new home with both of her children and is excited for them to grow together as a family.
Mr B, 20, came to the UK from Sudan in 2024 and was moved to Manchester shortly after he arrived. However after getting his refugee status he was evicted from his hotel and began rough sleeping. He reached out to Centrepoint for support and who helped him to get stable accommodation. He is now starting a new job and thinking about his future.
Miss Lartey came to Centrepoint after a family breakdown and was supported by a few organisations to help her find a home and live an independent life. She is now a pillar of her local community, starting up her own charity called Naala’s House, which aims to empower communities, combat poverty and create sustainable and long-lasting change.
