Michelle’s life changed overnight – pushing her into a year of fear, instability and hidden homelessness she never imagined could happen to her.

Amy, a young woman in her early 20s, is optimistic about her future as she talks about enrolling in University and building a home for her and her daughter. Having recently started a new job supporting young people at risk of becoming homeless, Amy is determined to affect change in housing policy, and in the lives of those who are heading down a path of ‘chronic homelessness and instability,’ a path that she knows all too well.

Caolan left home when he was 18 without anywhere permanent to live, he spent the next two years sofa surfing at friends or family’s homes. After moving into his own place, Caolan’s home was broken into on numerous occasions, including two times when he was in the house which contributed towards serious challenges with mental health.

Twenty four year old Courtney from Belfast became homeless with her baby daughter following a family breakdown. Courtney stayed at our Family Centre for six months where she learnt to budget, dividing her money into envelopes to cover weekly costs of heating, food, baby needs etc. When she recently moved into a flat of her own she had no extra money to furnish it, but thanks to help from her Simon Community support worker she was successful in receiving a discretionary support grant which enabled her to get some furniture and kitchen items.

James was in foster homes and care homes from the age of 6 until 18. When he turned 18, he was left to fend for himself and therefore declared himself homeless due to having nowhere to turn to.

Osama, a 33-year-old member of the Street Soccer NI team is heading to the Homeless World Cup in Sacramento, California this July.