Debbie


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Joined 2 years ago

Commission Debbie for a report

Debbie


51 years old, I’ve spent probably half of my life on and off as what would be called homeless. Includes periods on the streets, hostels, periods in temporary accommodation. 

I’ve lived in so many hostels, it’s ridiculous. Some that were basically a four bedroom shared house, which was great fun, you know, it was a good laugh. Another one, a hundred women in a hostel. Oh God, that was a nightmare. It just gets so bitchy. 

I was one of the first in Manchester on the ABEN (A Bed Every Night) scheme. I spent two years living on a friend’s sofa. I mean it was annoying because you don’t have your own space. But he was a really good friend. I knew I was safe. We were more like brother and sister than anything else. 

And then from there, I actually went into a rehab. And because you don’t have a tenancy agreement – it’s just a contract, a behavioural contract – you are classed as homeless there. 

Thanks to that, I sorted my drug and alcohol problems out. Then got into volunteering with Shelter, and now I’m a Grow Trainee.