Justine
I’m 20 years old and I’m originally from Kent but I’ve been in Islington for 3 years. I’d been living in the Cally when me and my partner were having a bit of an argument and the next thing I knew, my bags were outside the front door. I slept out in the park on a bench and in the churchyard at St Mary’s in Upper Street. It was so frightening – I was terrified.
Last year I did a 3-month Maths and English course at Arsenal in the Community. Someone told Jack from the Arsenal that I was sleeping rough and he made a referral to Shelter from the Storm.
The first night I came to the shelter, I was petrified – I couldn’t stop crying – I was in a state of total shock. I think it made me realise I was really homeless. On the street, you can’t let yourself cry, you have to stay really strong. That first night was really tough – I walked around outside- I couldn’t eat anything, but, eventually, I did go to bed and slept.
After a couple of days, it got much easier. I started to get to know the other guests and they were all so nice to me – really supportive. They were all just ordinary people – different situations, different stories, but all just people like me who had somehow found themselves without a home.
I spoke with the shelter counsellor who helped me a lot. Talking to someone about my feelings was nice and it was lovely to be listened to. Cookie helped me find somewhere to live and sort out my benefits which was amazing – I am so grateful for everything she’s done for me.
I’ve made some really good friends at the shelter and I’m going to miss them a lot, but they say I can come back and visit for dinner and to see everyone.
I was over the moon when I heard I’d be moving into my own place, it’ll be the first time I’ve ever lived completely on my own – without my mum or my partner. I’m a little bit nervous, but also very excited. The first thing I’m going to do is enjoy a lovely lie in.