Linda arrived in Britain on a student visa, having fled an unsupportive family in an oppressive regime overseas.
She explained: “It seemed like the people who were supposed to hold me and help me were the ones who let me down. So, I had to get away.”
Like many escaping persecution in another country, Linda’s journey was months in the planning and extremely difficult. Because of the dangers she faced if she returned home, she was granted refugee status and the right to reside, work and access public funds here in England.
She found temporary accommodation staying with a friend, but was soon forced to leave, leaving her vulnerable and at risk of homelessness and other untold dangers.
A lifeline at the winter shelter
An intelligent woman, Linda searched the internet for help and contacted Watford Borough Council. On hearing of her plight, the council referred her to the New Hope winter shelter. It was a lifeline, providing safety and immediate short-term accommodation during the harshest months of the year.
The 32-year-old said: “The winter shelter was a challenge at first. I don’t blend in very well with other people so I kept myself to myself. But the staff and volunteers were wonderful. It seemed like God had smiled down on me because everyone was so nice to me.
“The nights were lovely, but that daytime period, between closure at 7am and re-opening at 7pm, was incredibly difficult. I used to walk around Watford with my bag, crying with the cold. I asked myself: ‘Why me, why me?’
“But then I would give myself a talking to. You cannot give up. You have to keep positive. Keep smiling. You have to put your faith in God.”
A step forward and a place to call home
Linda’s attitude clearly impressed, because the outreach team found her a bed at the Sanctuary within a week. This marked an important move from emergency shelter to more structured support and, thankfully, she could stay in the warm all day long.
Outreach accommodation offers stability while support workers help people navigate trauma and plan their emotional recovery, at the same time addressing underlying challenges such as health care and employment. For Linda, this step was key in regaining a sense of routine and security.
“I loved the Sanctuary. I still kept myself to myself, but having my own space and my own room was wonderful. It was a blessing. Being selected for help was a blessing.”
At the beginning of March, Linda was offered a place in a HopeHome. Supported housing like this provides longer-term accommodation with the continued guidance of the Tenancy Sustainment Team, helping people rebuild their independence.
Having a safe and stable home has been transformative, allowing Linda to focus on the future rather than day-to-day survival.
She said: “It feels like I have been given a second chance. I am so grateful. I share a home with three others. We are all mature and keep ourselves to ourselves. It’s peaceful there, but the best thing is, I get to cook for myself again.”
Rebuilding a career
Despite the challenges she has faced, Linda has shown great resilience. She began working as a part-time cleaner in the town centre.
While this may seem modest, it was an important step towards independence and rebuilding her confidence. She was vastly over-qualified for the role, holding two degrees, one in law and one in business, which highlights the often hidden and surprising talents of people experiencing homelessness.
Her lived experience is a powerful reminder that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, education or social status.
In April she took a job as a support worker for people with learning difficulties. This has convinced her to go into social work, and she has been offered a place at university to study for a Master’s degree in Social Care.
A journey of courage, resilience and hope
Linda’s journey is one of courage, resilience and hope: a testament to what can be achieved when people are given that precious chance to start again. It is also a story of faith, optimism and unbridled positivity.
She said: “When things are not good, my spirit is uplifted by God, the people I have met who have helped me, the people who have received me positively. I have met some awesome people at New Hope. I don’t feel alone any more.
“With the right people, the right support and the right community, you can come through anything.”
Stories like Linda’s show that behind every statistic is a person with a history, abilities, aspirations and a story worth telling. By providing shelter, guidance and opportunity, we can transform more lives and help more people move from crisis to stability, just as Linda has.
