Like so many women experiencing homelessness, Gina sought security in a relationship – but that relationship soon became abusive. Women-only supported housing is a vital resource for women like Gina who have experienced gender-based violence. But without 24/7 staffing, we can’t provide the wraparound support they need to hold their door against abusers.
By supporting our Her Way Home appeal, you can help us change Gina’s story.
A history of violence and loss
As a child, Gina witnessed domestic violence in the home and when she was 14 years old her mother was detained under the Mental Health Act. At this young age, she was left to look after herself – taking herself to school and returning to an empty house. Later, she had two children and lived with them in social housing before a traumatic incident took its toll on her mental health.
Gina began using alcohol and drugs as she struggled to cope with the impact of her experiences. This led to her children being taken into care, another traumatic event that only deepened her depression and her addictions. She lost her social housing, went to prison and moved through two different hostels. Then, Gina came to Homeless Oxfordshire’s Women’s Project.
Finding a home at the Women’s Project
Over several months of dedicated work, her social worker built up a relationship with Gina and was able to help her focus on her goal of keeping in contact with her children. Our staff supported her to engage with her GP about her mental health and accompanied her to appointments. They also managed to get her scripted at Turning Point and put her forward for Housing First. Gina later decided she wanted to attend rehab, and, with our help, she completed her application.
With peer support from other Women’s Project residents and access to self-esteem building opportunities, such as taking part in art classes and going to the hairdressers, Gina was making good progress towards rebuilding her life. That is until an existing relationship with an abusive partner began affecting her safety and the wellbeing of other residents at the property.
Making a difficult decision to keep Gina safe
Despite intensive support, Gina’s relationship with this partner continued. And as current funding only covers weekday staffing at the Women’s Project, our only option was to refer Gina into a hostel where more security was in place. However, we know from experience that a mixed hostel environment can be detrimental to the wellbeing and recovery of women like Gina, whose past experiences make them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
Help us change Gina’s story
Bring housing, healing and hope to women experiencing homelessness in Oxfordshire.
With your help, we can introduce 24/7 wraparound support in our women-only accommodation so women like Gina can continue to build up their self-worth and rediscover their independence.
Donate to our Her Way Home appeal
*Gina’s story is based on the real experiences of one of our residents but her name and image have been changed to protect her identity.
