Kumar*, 29, had been living at the shelter for over three months. Before being referred to the shelter, he’d been on the streets for six months, trying to find a job. Having worked in the hotel industry and, for a brief stint, in bingo halls, he had wanted to shift careers to one more suited to his masters degree in IT from the University of Westminster.
After two years of trying to find a suitable role, he had run out of money to pay his rent. With nowhere else to turn, he stayed on the streets using buses in central London as his main place to sleep. After a chance meeting, he found out about Shelter from the Storm and was able to stay.
He found his first IT-related role in late February and is thoroughly enjoying it. He’s now saved up a deposit and will shortly be moving into his own accommodation.
*Not his real name