When I left foster care in 2009 I experienced many years of on and off homelessness through not having any family or being unable to meet all the tick boxes to get help from the council or private, I was officially put on a waiting list as a sofa surfer. I had no extra help for being a corporate child of Hampshire and had to brace myself for my teenage years without a family to support me or a stable home. Like many others my situation was masked by the fact I was very fortunate to meet so many kind people who gave me temporary accommodation wether a sofa or a bed, hostels or House shares. 4 years ago I got an amazing opportunity to help myself in the form of a job and new carrer path which gave me the stability to help me become the positive, happy and successful young woman I am now. The support I received throughout the years helped save my life, made me realise I am far from alone and I don't have to become a victim of my past. I have done many present collections for young Careleavers over the Christmas holidays and last year I met some amazing people at the YMCA Southampton which is a charity that helps young adults who are homeless/vulnerable. I used to dream of finding a place like this to help me and I want to do all I can to help give back to everyone that works and lives under the roof of the YMCA so I will be joining them and sleeping on the streets all night on the 17th of March.Any donations recieved will go a long way to help me getting through this long night so thank you in advance!