11 Sep 2008 - Resident Stories Booklet Available to Download
Director's Introduction
In reading these stories, I am struck by their ordinariness. We could all so easily become victims of poor health, be it physical or mental, most of us are dependent, to a greater or lesser extent, on the love and support of our families and friends. The experiences that lead to homelessness are not extraordinary. They are stories of bad luck, ill health, family rejection, addictions or loneliness. They could happen to any of us.
Spending any time at Chris Foster House is a richly rewarding experience. The atmosphere reflects the care and commitment of our staff and volunteers, and gives a sense of being in a place of safety; one where people really do lay foundations to rebuilding their lives in a remarkably short space of time. It is very special.
Some clients arrive after very short periods of homelessness; others have long histories of sleeping rough or sofa surfing. Many have long standing health issues; others have suffered breakdowns in family relationships. All have suffered loss.
Developing and delivering effective and responsive services requires an organisation to listen to and understand its clients, as real people with needs and aspirations. The Stevenage Haven has always believed that it can learn from homeless people, volunteers and staff having a genuine empathy for our clients, accepting all as people, individuals with differing histories and stories to tell.
So many feel no hope, that they have failed life in a unique way and are left with nothing. The saddest truth is that they are not the first to experience this, and nor will they be the last. The Haven offers a chance to rebuild lives and move forward. Our starting point is seeing and valuing clients as individuals. People like me, like you.
It is my hope that the stories being shared here will help others understand the simple truth that no one is immune from encountering homelessness and remember that homeless people are, first and foremost, people.
Barbara Howard, Project Director
PLEASE DOWNLOAD BELOW. IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PAPER COPY PLEASE CONTACT Mike Nash on 01438 726703 or mike.nash@stevenagehaven.org.uk
Resident_Stories_V1.7.pdf