Family who faced homelessness mark Mother's Day in a new home

A relationship breakdown had left them homeless and sleeping on friends’ floors. Your support has helped them to start a new life.

When we gave them a room in our hostel for mothers and children (which is run in partnership with Bexley Council) they were starting from scratch. When they arrived, the mother – who is originally from Cameroon and speaks little English – was shaking with anxiety.

Your support reminded them that people still care. It allowed us to supply them with a pram, nappies, clothing, food and toiletries so they could get back on their feet.

We helped the mother to apply for benefits and obtain a new passport from the Home Office. This wasn’t easy – our staff had to use Google translate to bridge the language barrier, but in the end we were successful.

Eventually, we helped them to find a home of their own. Arrangements have been made for the toddler to start nursery in September and his mother has been enrolled for an English language course.

They are now thriving and we’re really happy for them.

Supporting homeless mothers and children

Our Bexley hostel provides accommodation for single homeless women with children. We also work with women and families in the area who are at risk of homelessness.

In addition to ensuring mothers and children have somewhere safe and secure to live, we can provide support around money management and maintaining a tenancy. This helps remove barriers they’re facing when it comes to finding permanent housing and improves their financial resilience.

We’re proud of this service which is run in partnership with Bexley Council. Our research shows that women who are sleeping rough often have limited contact with their children. This separation is devastating for both child and mother. It leads to feelings of guilt, shame and loss.