David struggled to get the support he needed and slept rough for nearly 20 years. Then he was offered a flat of his own through St Mungo’s Housing First, and things started to click into place.
Six years on, he’s living a busy, fulfilling life with his pet dog, Star.
“When I was younger, I started having addiction problems. I was working as a care worker and had my NVQ, but I’d become quite dependent on alcohol, and I was kicked out of home just before my 21st birthday.
“From then on, I lived on the streets for about twenty years. I stayed in a few hostels but they just didn’t work out.
“I used to sleep out by Hyde Park corner. Right on the cuff of Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. One night, an Outreach worker called Chloe came along, and told me I had the chance to get a flat.
“She offered me a place in a night shelter and told me to meet her the next day at 11am. She told me all about the flat, and Westminster Housing First, which is run by St Mungo’s.
“Housing First is basically the idea that instead of waiting until people are “ready” for their own home, you offer them a home first – as the first step to recovery. This was a new service in Westminster, and I could be the first client.
“12 other people went to look at the flat and we had to do interviews, to make sure the person could sustain it. I had to stay at the night shelter whilst I was applying – which was hard because it wasn’t a good environment for me to be in. But I stuck with it, and after ten days, I found out I’d got it.
“It was strange at first. I wasn’t used to having a roof over my head or having keys in my pocket. In fact, when I first moved in, I locked myself out and had to get a locksmith!
“But it’s really worked. Because before, I never had my own space, or my independence – I was either on the streets or in hostels. This is the first time I’ve had my own flat, and I have to pay my own bills.
“I meet my lead worker, Ben for coffee once a week. He supports me with all sorts. He recently helped me to get my benefits assessment sorted out. The anxiety can really set in with things like that, it can feel quite heavy. But he helped me with the assessment and that’s a big weight off my shoulders.
“It’s not just about helping with problems, though – St Mungo’s helps me with the social side of things too. I go to the Recovery College, I do lots of walks, and I’m doing the Client Challenge in Dorset this year. They do community building days once a month, and organise trips to places like London Zoo.
“It’s good because one client might be feeling down, but they see oh, you’re doing good. And that encourages them.
“Compared to when I first moved in six years ago, I feel like a million dollars. I’ve got stability in my life, I’ve got friends and now I’ve got Star, my dog.
“Star used to live with my friend, Keith, but she’s been with me for about four years. She’s full of energy, and very bubbly. She just loves people.
“I sometimes get anxiety and depression, and if I’m feeling a bit low, Star picks up on it. She’ll jump up and give me a cuddle. And that helps me because I know that I’ve got to take responsibility, that she needs a walk. She needs to run, she needs to be fed and watered.
“Battersea Park is only down the road, so we love going there. And Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is close by, so I volunteer there sometimes too. I even went over for the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
“I’d definitely recommend St Mungo’s to other people. They’ve helped me so much, and I’ve come such a long way.
“To anyone who is in the position I was in, I would say don’t give up hope. I was once in your position, but six years later I’ve got an amazing flat, I’ve got amazing friends, and I’ve got Star. Listen to the Outreach workers and support workers – they really can help you get to where you want to be.”
