Kelly's Story

Kelly, 25 years old

I've been homeless for nearly 10 years.  I went from hostel to hostel, never staying in one place. I have also slept rough on the streets.  There are not enough hostels to cater for everyone's need.

I remember living in a hostel in Derry, staying there 2 weeks, and moving again to another hostel.  Material things don't matter when you are homeless.  My money was being looked after by the High Court.  I bought my own house when I was 19 but couldn't make it work for me, as I have drink and drugs problems.  I have lost everything because of my addictions.

The staff in the hostels were always pretty welcoming and the support they give is great.  I have started to learn how to cope with things as well as helping me to reduce my alcohol and drug taking.

I have good memories from the years I have spent in hostels.

As to the future, I would like to have a supported flat, and keep attending a drug counsellor.  Some day I would like to be completely clear of drugs.