6 June, 2024

Jerry’s story: ready for a fresh start but with nowhere to go

Just imagine…

You’ve struggled with addiction since your teens.

You lost everything, became homeless, got support, went through rehab.

After years of commitment and hard work you’re managing your addiction.

You’re finally ready for your fresh start and a second chance at life.

But… there is nowhere for you to go.

That is what happened to Jerry*, a resident at Homeless Oxfordshire.

“I was meant to stay with Homeless Oxfordshire for around eight or nine months after rehab. But there was no suitable housing available. I ended up staying for 21 months – a year longer than expected. I couldn’t believe how long it took to bid for properties. I was ready to leave but couldn’t go. I found it very frustrating.

It meant my treatment journey was extended. Luckily I was in a good place with my recovery and have now been accepted for a new tenancy.

If I wasn’t doing well I think it would have set me back massively. A year is a long time for someone with addiction challenges.”

We support people to overcome barriers and work towards making a fresh start. But when the social housing they need isn’t available delays can be very difficult to cope with.

Every day we see delays impacting negatively on:

  • Mental and physical health
  • Depression and anxiety levels
  • Likelihood of alcohol and substance use
  • Likelihood of self-sabotaging behaviour
  • Support worker/resident relationships

 

Delays to people getting the housing they need means local services like Homeless Oxfordshire have to bridge the gap with the wider system paying the price.

Currently approximately 20% of our residents are ready for their own tenancy but can’t move on. General housing waiting lists are on average more than two years long. As a charity we rely on donations and in 2024 we need to raise £500k in additional funds to continue supporting everyone who needs us.

Donate to Homeless Oxfordshire here.

*Although the story is true, the resident’s name and image have been changed to protect their anonymity.

Other news

Black and white dog grinning General News

No dog left behind

Animal lovers unite! With National Love Your Pet Day coming up, we’re celebrating the incredible connection between humans and dogs – the original pet. For ...
Read More
Graphic with text that reads: Together, you raised £132,000 for our 2024 Christmas Appeal Fundraising

The results of our 2024 Christmas Appeal

Thanks to the support and kindness of our wonderful new and regular supporters, our 2024 Christmas Appeal raised over £132,000 in monetary donations alone. We ...
Read More
Frilford Heath Golf Club Captains Craig Soubieski and Sally Adams stand by Homeless Oxfordshire banner. Fundraising

Frilford Heath Golf Club has chosen Homeless Oxfordshire as its 2025 Captains’ Charity

We are thrilled to announce that the newly instated Club Captains at Frilford Heath Golf Club have chosen to make Homeless Oxfordshire their Captains’ Charity ...
Read More
General News

Bringing the festive spirit to our residents this Christmas

From Christmas feasts with all the trimmings to community tree decorating and festive art therapy sessions, this Christmas our residents were given the chance to ...
Read More
Becky at Christmas General News

Becky’s Christmas story: receiving a gift made her feel seen

Despite the challenges of their situation, with our support Homeless Oxfordshire residents manage to find little moments of hope and joy at Christmas. Over December ...
Read More
General News

Jamal’s Christmas story: completing rehab let him be Dad again

For many residents of Homeless Oxfordshire, Christmas is something that happens to other people. It’s a reminder of the isolation and loneliness that homelessness inflicts ...
Read More