A Journey Through Hidden Homelessness

Homelessness Awareness Week is an important reminder that homelessness does not always look the way people expect. Many imagine someone sleeping rough, but homelessness can take many forms. It can mean sofa surfing, living in unsafe accommodation or staying in temporary places that never feel like home. My own journey reflects that reality.

When I was growing up, my sister and I moved between care homes because of my mother’s addiction. When I was six, our grandparents became our carers, but the relationship was very strained. My sister later fled domestic abuse in the home, and after that my situation became much worse.

In primary school I struggled in silence. I still remember how a close friend began bringing food for both of us. That small act of kindness stayed with me. It showed me that people cared and that I did not have to go through everything alone.

It took until my later school years for me to finally speak up about what was happening. Thankfully my friends allowed me to sofa surf between their homes each week. Their families made sure my uniform was washed and that I had a hot meal. Those small and consistent gestures gave me a sense of stability and belonging during a time of deep uncertainty.

After finishing school, I moved to Belfast to reconnect with my sister. When that home became unsafe, I had nowhere else to go. I spent two weeks sleeping on the streets and my life began to spiral into addiction and other negative choices. One day, while I was at a soup kitchen, I unexpectedly met a youth worker from my hometown. I felt overwhelming fear at being recognised, but they approached me with empathy and understanding. That moment changed the direction of my life.

With their support I began to rebuild. I found work in a nightclub where a friend worked, and later I secured student accommodation. It is important to recognise that having a roof over my head did not mean everything was resolved. The impact of homelessness stayed with me for a long time. Eventually, with a lot of encouragement, I enrolled in university to study Community and Youth Work. It was not an easy journey, but every small act of kindness and every supportive connection helped me reach graduation, along with a lot of caffeine.

Today I work for MACS supporting young people who are homeless or at risk of losing their tenancies. I strive to be the same safe and consistent adult who offers guidance, support and hope during what can be the darkest time in a young person’s life.