From Temporary Housing to My Dream Home

Shared Tenancy recently received this lovely update from Shi, who spent more than four years in a MACS Shared Tenancy and has now moved on to a home of his own.

In January 2022, I moved into a hostel. I stayed there for six months, and it was one of the most difficult periods of my life. The restrictions, lack of freedom and uncertainty often made me feel trapped.

Everything changed when MACS helped me move into a Shared Tenancy.
For the next four years and three months, MACS gave me something far more valuable than simply a place to stay: stability.

Laura supported me throughout that journey. She always took the time to understand me and worked hard to find housemates who were the right match. Even after my first housemate moved to England for university, she continued supporting me until we found the right person again.

One thing I’m especially proud of is that, during more than four years of shared living, I never had a serious argument or conflict with any of my housemates. We lived with mutual respect, and that helped the house feel like a real home.

I’ll also never forget Laura’s kindness during frightening periods in Belfast, particularly when people from ethnic minority communities were being targeted. As a Kurdish person, she would check in with me to make sure I was safe. That care and compassion meant more to me than words can express.
Because I had a safe and stable home, I was able to work full time, save money and keep building my future.

Today, I own and am renovating my dream home – something I once thought was impossible.

“MACS didn’t buy my house, but they gave me the foundation that made it possible. For that, I will always be grateful.”

You can find more information on our Shared Tenancy service here