After suffering a divorce and ending up in a psych ward, Rah and their cat Harvey found themselves left with nowhere to go. Most homeless services don’t accept pets. But luckily, the council put Rah in touch with St Mungo’s, where both were given a home in one of our hostels. This is Rah’s story.
“If I had to separate from Harvey I would find it really hard. I don’t know what I would do in that situation; it would be really difficult.
I got divorced and ended up in a hospital psych ward. The hospital can’t discharge you unless you have somewhere to go, so I first got put into temporary accommodation. After being there, I then got moved into a St Mungo’s hostel by the council.
When the council tells you that you’re moving, you don’t get any choice. So, it was very stressful not knowing if I would be allowed to take Harvey where they sent me. I was really lucky that I could take her here.
I always find it hard to know what things would be like without her. It’s really good having her in my life. I love knowing that I’m always loved by her and that I have someone to care for.
Harvey was kind of a surprise. A friend texted one day saying that she had rescued a cat from her friend’s abusive neighbour. The friend asked if we could foster her. It was only meant to be temporary, but once we had her I couldn’t give her back!
She was only five months old; she was very cute but very scared. I’ve had her now for three years.
Harvey is good company and provides a sort of stability in my life. Whilst lots of other things are always changing, I know she’s always there and constant.
She knows when I’m unwell and is affectionate in a different way. She takes good care of me.
Harvey and I are happy here. She loves having people around and doesn’t like being by herself. When I lived on my own she’d always get sad if I was out.
Harvey has become like a resident cat. People feed her and when I’m not here and she has favourite people who she’ll sleep on as well. She spends a large portion of her time sleeping in a box under reception. That’s her favourite spot.
When I’m away the hostel staff will send me photos of her looking cute. I’ll come home and everyone will say she was such a pleasure to look after. She’s very loving, and despite being a bit cheeky, she helps us all.
Here at St Mungo’s we recognise the powerful emotional support a pet can provide. That’s why we are one of the only charities to accept pets in our hostels. By donating to St Mungo’s, you can help save two lives from homelessness. Donate here.