Eleanor lives in one of our hostels in London. She talks about her experience of homelessness, how she ended up sleeping on the streets and what her hopes and ambitions are for the future.
Eleanor had a difficult childhood. Eleanor’s dad was disabled after the war and was an alcoholic. Her mum would work long hours to support the family, including Eleanor’s brother who became disabled after being in a coma for six months.
Finding it hard to live at home with her family, Eleanor moved into the shed in the garden and was planning to finally leave the family home when she was sixteen.
Eleanor started agency work which took her to places like Greece and Spain, meaning she had no fixed home when she came back to London and no permanent career.
Eleanor finally secured herself a flat but ended up losing it after 22 years due to rent arrears.
Being homeless there’s fear, its scary and its depressing and dehumanising, people don’t want to look at you
Looking toward the future Eleanor wants to hopefully own a dog again one day, take up a dress making course and do a few days charity work.
My lockdown has been great, St Mungo’s has helped buy things for our hobbies and stuff like all the puzzles and pens and the books!
A donation of £50 could help provide counselling to support the mental health of someone who is affected by homelessness. Donate today and help residents like Eleanor access vital support.
