Matt's Story
Me and my mum clashed. We were too alike, got under each others feet too much. My mum moved away and I didn't like where she moved so I moved back and stayed with a friend when I was 17, then moved back to my mum's flat and then back here into a caravan outside my friend's house. I thought I can't do this so I moved to Symonds Green into the bin shed at my mum's boyfriend?s flat for 2 to 3 weeks - it was at the bottom of the stairs where I had everything I needed and it was like my own bedroom. I told them I'm not living with my mum I'm sleeping in there. I went to Stevenage Borough Council and then Herts Young Homeless Group and then got referred to a night shelter - the Haven was full. I went there and with one look on the outside said no thanks and went back to my bin shed. After a few days I was referred to the Haven at which I then met a lot of people who pointed me in the right direction. A lot of people made an impact on my life and made me open my eyes on lot of things. I felt I was wanted again and people made me feel I was at home.
After a few months I moved on to a supported house in Hitchin - I thought it would get me away from trouble in Stevenage but I hadn't realised Hitchin had more trouble. When I moved in they said they would help me with all my problems and get me new furniture but that has taken them a year to do. At first there was me and one resident in the house and that was alright. They moved in two other residents - they're a nightmare and make the house a total mess. I've just had enough. I've always been independent and don't want to live in someone else's mess. I want out of there as soon as possible. I come into the Haven most days and walk from Hitchin. I want to get a bedsit or flat in Stevenage and get myself stable, have my own space and then get into college.
Matt - Ex-Resident.