I'm a really positive person but the last couple of months have tested me. If I wasn't having housing troubles, I'd be enjoying the things that make me smile like dancing and meeting new people. There hasn't been any of that recently but I'm hoping that it won't be too long now.
I lost my job when the lockdown began. I was sofa surfing at friends' houses and already didn't have much stability. Losing my job was the final straw as it meant I couldn't contribute any money towards rent or buying food. I ended up sleeping on the streets and relying on others to help me with the minimum I needed to survive. I was then supported by St Mungo's when the government asked for rough sleepers to be temporarily housed due to the risk of COVID-19. I stayed in a hotel at first and was then moved to a hostel where I am today.
I've always worked so not having financial independence is nerve-racking. I don't have access to benefits either so I'm relying on charity to get by. Being homeless has presented so many new challenges for me but I've realised that if you ask for help, it's often out there. My motivation to do warehouse work stems from experience I have in working in warehouses in Italy. I used to drive the forklift there too but I don't have any official qualifications for it so training will help with that.
I know that the lockdown has meant some people have been able to spend more time with their family and friends. For me, it meant losing my shelter and taking away my financial freedom. I hope that this is the start of a new chapter for me. In two years time I'd love to be settled in my own place with a stable job and maybe even an online business of my own.