I ran away from home due to a breakdown in relationship; it was constant argument with my parents. I thought I knew too much and they thought they knew me. They didn't know their daughter had been sexually abused and was marijuana dependent. They asked what was wrong with me as opposed to what happened to me. I cared less about trying to convey how I felt as I was already labelled .....so I decided to leave and I did.

I spent a few nights with people whom shared my loss of self and the circumstances for them being there was due to bereavement, alcohol/substance abuse via a trauma, debt, relationship breakdown, mental/emotional imbalance, domestic violence. We all felt connected under the climbing frame sheltered only by plastic bags. We weren't being judged as each one of us understood what had happened.

I was always encouraged to go back home they would always say your too good for here but pride prevented me and I felt that I had people around that cared. Eventually I was given accomodation at the Central & Cecil housing for Women & Children in Waterloo Road, SE1. There I was able to get cleaned up, spliff free and even found employment in Topshop through the help of support workers. I vowed that i would never forget those days but somehow I did until I attended the Highway of Holiness church.

As a new member of the Highway church I was completely taken back by the dedication of Pastor Alex & Mama Dorcas to support the homeless. I admired how inclusive the shelter is in supporting those in need as well as the commitment of the congregation to support by volunteer their realise their time to cook as well as give monetary support.

The social issue of homelessness is close to my heart and it wasn't until I visited the church and was shown around that I remembered those nights. Trauma does that it can literally wipe out memories until an smell, experience, touch bring it back. For me it was a face that reminded me so much like the man who told me to ‘go back home as only sorrow would I find there’. It was he that told me to at least go to the housing office at least. So when I had the opportunity to see the work the shelter does it inspired me to devote more of my time to work diligently to help the church raise the funds it needs to offer more targeted support.

The shelter lacks suitable storage facilities where residents can keep their belongings, as well more up to date electrical goods such as toasters, kettle.

Purchase bedding, mattresses for sleeping quarters

Give the bathroom a facelift to accommodate more than one person

Purchase suitable storage (chester draws, wardrobe etc) department for residents and donations

Create a partition between storage and lounge room( including purchase of TV

Purchase a computers so residents are able to upskill

Repaint residential areas

To upgrade kitchen areas and equipment

To get a deposit towards a bigger premises so we can offer more tailored support, services.

We really want to move to a bigger premises which can offer self contained space for residents with more complex needs. Since we opened our doors in 2009, over 800 people that's 100 people a year and its increasing and we have such a small space. We provide shelter, food and counselling, along with the opportunity for much needed companionship with others.

The Highway House shelters work with a range of public services to ensure we are able to offer the fullest support to our residents. We often receive referrals from Shelter and or hospitals as they cant provide the support and shelter. We are open to residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have no set time limit on an individual's stay. Instead, we work diligently with each person to ensure when they leave us they are ready to be independent once again and return to a full fruitful lives.

We are not funded by government or receiving grants from any organisation; we receive donations from the congregation and external charitable people.

Wherever you live homelessness is in your community; donate to a cause which actively works towards changing this social ill. If you live locally come down and be part of something great...WE NEED YOU. If you can donate please do OR if you can support by being a volunteer we would like to hear from you.