life with mr williams
After reading the new Cliczine I found out homelessness is now on the increase. But how do young people cope once they are in a hostel? What is life really like for young people and what realy does go on behind those closed doors?
It all started when I found myself homeless. I was refered to a local hostel and when I first entered the doors to meet a few people I knew nothing about what was around or the surroundings I ound myself in. Some people could enter feeling it could be a prison or just a house that some residents describe as being like 'the Big Brother House'. But the main thing is there are few rules I ad to get to grips with. The kitchen shuts at 11pm and the lounge is open all day till midnight. No alcohol is allowed on the premises. Have you ever wondered how we entertain ourselves here? Well, we have just set up our own chess club, have a DVD night and are now looking for more ways to entertain ourselves (but on a really low budget).
What are the rooms like? Well ...they are basic! Each room varies but come with its own fridge freezer and sink with a bathroom cabinet, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe are also there for major storage. I bet you are all wondering... how tidy do we keep our rooms? All rooms are really kept quite tidy and we do have room inspection on a Sunday weekly.
The people I have met all try and help each other out so much to produce a friendly environment. What are we all like and how do we get on? We all have our own unique personality but the best way to describe us - we are all one of a kind. Although the odd upsets can happen we all like to socialise and everyone likes a drink (you can never have too much fun!)
As a person where is my family life at the moment? I have rare contact with them - which is not a bad thing brings us closer together when we do meet - but I can never go home. What ever our past, we are all in this situation for a reason:- to be supported into housing and help us find the right house or flat so that we can get on in life. However, gaining life and personal skills does help. At the Hostel we have OCN, football and other activities organised that help us to keep active. We do lots of stuff to get qualifications and also keep up to date on many voluntary activities. But we also need to raise money to keep our hostel running, to keep active, have luxury days out, have free time, and to have people in to teach us to beatbox/musicmix or do many other talents for us to showcase at the special events we oganise and run such as ResFest.
To sum this article up:- if any one ever goes through this situation or similar just remember as Rebel MC once sung ' Hang tough'. It is a phase that might only happen once and you do bounce back stronger. Yes, can it lead to depression and illnesses, it can, but there is only one person who can avoid that - and that is you. You may be wanting to make that step to leaving home and being independent if you are facing family problems. You might be nervous, but you will definately feel better being independent after getting the support & help you require. If you do face any problems or if you need advice speak to your local council who deal with housing and they should be able to refer you to who is best possible to help you. Check out the housing section on the CLIC wbsite or contact MEIC for info, advice and support if you find yourself threatened with homelessness. Remember, all situations are different. Good Luck and be careful out there!
IMAGE: 19th Jan: Shelter
