I’ve always been passionate about computers and there was a time when I was building my own business around them. For me, strengthening my experience in IT makes me happy and is more than just a career.
I became homeless in 2014. I couldn’t find work at the time and was living off the last of my savings. Luckily, I was helped by the Salvation Army who put me in touch with the YMCA. They gave me a roof over my head and helped me get my life back on track. I stayed there for a long time, working on and off but never anything very stable.
I have to remind myself that homelessness can happen to the most hardworking, competent person. I had my own business 10 years ago but because of the financial crisis, I lost everything. Coming back from a setback like that isn’t easy. It was a long time coming but I finally moved into my own place in December last year.
Now that I’ve started a new chapter, I want to be in regular work. Now that I've got my own place, I'm motivated to become financially independent, come off benefits and start over again. The pandemic has caused our society to use technology more and I know that demand in IT roles is on the rise. I’m excited and ready to be a part of that.
Fola is working with Beam because he's been homeless in the last year.