At Depaul, we are working towards a world where everyone, everywhere has a place to call home.
Our teams around the world see first-hand the positive impact that having a home has. A home is more than just a roof over a person’s head. It’s a place of stability and security, where people can move towards a new and independent future.
This World Homeless Day, we are sharing the stories of those who have experienced homelessness and are now living in their own homes.
“Ever since I was a child, I have always listened to music or played music because it has always been the one thing that focuses my thoughts. It keeps me away from the darkness, takes away all my anxiety and paranoia.”
These are the words of Stephen, who experienced homelessness in Middlesbrough before moving into Depaul UK housing.
Earlier this year, Stephen took part in Depaul UK’s participatory photo exhibition ‘Through Our Eyes.’ Equipped with a disposal camera, Stephen documented his life, taking photos of things that mattered to him. This included his TV tuned to a radio station, representing the importance of music in his life. For Stephen, his home is more than just a roof over his head. It’s a space where he can enjoy listening to music and feel at peace. “It feels reassuring,” he says. “It’s knowing that I’m safe as well.”
Relationship breakdowns can place people at risk of homelessness, especially if they have nowhere to go and a limited support system. When James’s marriage broke down, he found himself alone and trying to care for his six-month-old twins. At times, he felt that he couldn’t cope, and he was referred to Depaul Ireland’s Homeless Families service.
With the help of a Child Support Worker, James’s confidence grew. The babies grew into happy toddlers and James, a talented cook, helped to provide healthy home-cooked meals for the children and families in the hostel.
After almost two years, James and his young family moved into their permanent home. James is now a volunteer for Depaul, and has become a positive role model, not only for his children, but for the other single fathers accommodated in the hostel.
After losing his job, Boris turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism. A period of heavy drinking led to his arrest, and after being released from prison he had nowhere to go. He slept behind a supermarket, and when it rained he sheltered in a bus stop. In winter, seeking warmth, he would spend the night in public toilets.
Following an accident, Boris spent time at Depaul Slovakia’s St Louise shelter, which provides accommodation and care for those experiencing homelessness who have health needs. At St Louise, he was able to heal from his injuries.
Now, Boris lives in an apartment which is part of Depaul Slovakia’s housing integration programme. The programme places those experiencing long-term homelessness into independent, permanent housing.
Boris has now given up drinking and has a job. He took part in Depaul Slovakia’s ‘Journey Home’ participatory photo exhibition. Boris photographed his new home, including his plants and pet, as well as taking photos with colleagues at his workplace.
Hennadii lived in Kyiv and worked at a warehouse supplying local schools. When the full-scale invasion began, schools switched to online learning and the warehouse’s services were no longer needed. Hennadii lost his job, and eventually his documents.
Hennadii has been living in Depaul’s supported accommodation since May. Since then, many important changes have taken place in his life. He has found stable employment, and rebuilt his relationship with his daughter, who lives with her mother in another city.
“I feel good knowing I can now buy things for my daughter,” Hennadii says. “Before the start of the school year, I bought her some gifts. This really motivates me.” Hennadii says that living in the apartment has given him more than just a roof over his head. It’s improved his sense of self-worth. “This project has truly changed my life,” he says. “I feel like a normal person again.”
For years, Beth raised her eight children on the pavement beneath a light rail station in Metro Manila. “We were sleeping on the streets,” she recalls. “When it rained, we had to look for temporary shelter where we could stay until the next morning, or at least until the rain stopped.”
Beth and her family are now supported by Onward Home. Onward Home provides housing for families experiencing homelessness, run by Depaul International and the Vincentian Foundation.
“Now we are living a different and better life,” says Beth. “From the streets to a home we can call our own, my children are starting to build new dreams.”
Victor began volunteering at Casa Milagrosa, Depaul USA’s day centre in Los Angeles, through the ReEmployability programme. The programme supports people with injuries to participate in meaningful work with charities whilst they recover.
When Victor’s programme ended, he continued to volunteer at Casa Milagrosa, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to Depaul USA’s work. He also helped to prepare new houses for Depaul USA’s Dax Program, which houses students experiencing homelessness.
Then, Casa Milagrosa staff learned that Victor had been volunteering despite facing homelessness himself. He had been living temporarily in a small trailer, but when the trailer was reclaimed, Victor was left without a stable place to sleep.
Casa Milagrosa’s staff immediately stepped into help. They assisted Victor in finding a low-income apartment nearby, and they connected him with a programme that covered his deposit and first month’s rent. In July, Victor successfully moved into his new apartment: a powerful example of the full-circle support that Depaul USA provides.
Since moving into his home, Victor is still committed to volunteering at Casa Milagrosa. He helps with cleaning, and also acts as an outreach ambassador at his local church, encouraging parishioners to bring in-kind donations to Casa Milagrosa.