Maria's story
Maria is originally from Italy. She came to the UK in 1996 and worked for several years as a waitress, cleaner and market researcher.
But then she began to mix with different people. At first, she started taking drugs at the weekends but her habit soon grew. She went from spending some of her wages on drugs to spending it all on drugs. She lost her job and, unable to pay the rent, had to leave her flat.
Maria slept in parks and churchyards around Clapham. She started selling sex to sustain her substance use. Things got even worse; her health deteriorated and she was raped more than once.
"It was really horrible so I took more drugs and things kept going downhill from there."
For a while, some agencies' hostels wouldn't take Maria in because of her drug use, or if they did, she was soon evicted when they found out about it. But fortunately, in April this year, Maria's social worker introduced her to a St Mungo's project in south London. She came along to meet the staff, and moved in straight away.
"I can't believe they gave me food and somewhere to sleep. It's very hard on the streets; people are always trying to take advantage. It was cold and I was scared about people beating or raping me. I was always trying to find places to hide."
Things have started to improve for Maria since she came to the hostel. As well as a roof over her head, she has access to vital services to help her get better.
"I have put on weight and my health is improving (I had hepatitis A and B but no more). I can sleep at night and I eat now. I can also go to see the doctor and the dentist when I need to."
While Maria is still taking some drugs, she has stopped sex working. She is now on a methadone prescription which has helped to reduce her substance use. She has a drug support worker who listens without judgment, provides practical advice and, importantly, who Maria feels that she can be honest with.
"I know it's for my own good to stop taking drugs."
Although she still has a long, long way to go, Maria wants to turn her life around. She is trying to give up drugs by December, so that she can start an employment course in the new year.
"I don't know where I would have been if I hadn't come here. I am feeling more positive about the future."
Maria's story is a true one, but we have changed her name to protect her identity.