Real life stories of homeless people

People can become homeless for many reasons. Our thanks to those of our clients who have shared their experiences with us, and talked about their hopes for their recovery and the future.

In 2011 our Oral History project Street Stories gathered the stories of 41 residents. Listen to some of their stories and watch a short video by clients who conducted the oral history interviews (please be aware - some of the interviews contain strong language).

You can also watch some of our clients and staff talking about our work.

  • Serena's story
    After a difficult family life and five years of moving from one place to another, Serena trained as a St Mungo's apprentice and is now a project worker.
  • Michael's story
    After years of drinking and depression, Michael eventually got the support he needed at St Mungo’s Wharton Street project in Islington. Regular contact with his substance use worker has helped him move on to independent accommodation.
  • Mark's story
    Mark was a successful engineer. He worked for the same firm in the Midlands for 27 years. At the age of 46 he was made redundant and this led to a breakdown. He tried finding temporary work but without success. he was renting a home but when his mental health condition worsened, he wasn't able to continue paying rent.
  • Clare's story
    Clare grew up in care and ended up living in squats and using drugs. After being encouraged to move into a St Mungo’s project, she is now clean and a volunteer mentor for young ex-offenders.
  • George's story
    George’s chaotic lifestyle resulted in a traumatic year of rough sleeping followed by years living in and out of hostels. George has now been clean for a year and has turned his life around by volunteering with St Mungo’s Peer Advice Link (PAL).
  • Jenny's story
    Jenny is a volunteer peer advisor for St Mungo’s move on service PAL (Peer Advice Link). She tells her story to mark St Mungo's Big Society Action Week
  • Annette's story
    Annette is 38 years old. She become homeless in 2002 and started using drugs. Following a spell sleeping rough before moving into a shared house, Annette then secured a St Mungo’s self contained flat. She has been clean now for two years and is a volunteer peer advisor as part of St Mungo’s resettlement service.
  • Marie's story
    Marie has recently graduated from St Mungo’s Apprenticeship Scheme in October. Previous to this, she had led a difficult life having spent eight years being homeless.
  • Matthew's story
    "My hope for the future is to finish my apprenticeship and get a job working for St Mungo's. I'd love to work with the outreach team. I'm really enjoying my work and am looking forward to learning more."
  • Winston's story
    “My goal is to get a permanent contract as a project worker. I can then start on a fresh new set of goals!”