"It was daunting to be 65 years old and sleeping in a van"

Thanks to your support, they were reunited in time for Christmas last year.

This year they’ll be celebrating in a safe, warm home of their own – something Marcus describes as “wonderful”.

It’s a stark difference from their situation just 12 months ago.

Following the breakdown of a long-term relationship, Marcus and his 11-year-old border collie had nowhere to live.  After a brief period of sofa surfing, he made the heart-breaking decision to live in his van, knowing that meant parting with Bramble, who was taken in by a friend.

"It was hard to give her up,” he recalls. “She'd helped me through a period of bad depression when I lost a job and relationship in 2016 which is what prompted a move from Scotland to Kent. But I didn't know if having a dog would stop me getting accommodation."

Nine months living in a van

For nine long months, Marcus lived alone in his van. At night, he parked near service stations and public toilets so he could wash and change early in the morning – small routines that helped him "gain a bit of dignity."

"It was daunting to be 65 years old and sleeping in a van without an end goal," he adds.

Twice a week, Marcus stayed at a friend's where he could "rebuild, have a shower, put on clean clothes and feel like a human again." But tenancy rules meant Marcus could only stay a few nights a week. The respite was brief and before long he’d have to head back to the van.

Despite being homeless, Marcus kept working a part-time job. He didn’t talk about his situation afraid it would affect his employment. When the truth came out months later, his employers were supportive.

At the same time, Marcus was applying for council accommodation. He was turned down because he has a daughter in Staffordshire, who the council said he could go and live with.

“I'd been made redundant before getting the part-time job,” he explained. “It had taken me 18 months to get back into work – a difficult time that led to me becoming depressed. I didn't want to give up the job I now had and potentially face another 18 month wait."

How Porchlight helped

With few options left and his mental health deteriorating, Marcus was put in touch with Porchlight.

Porchlight worker Sarah remembers their first meeting: “I was concerned because Marcus is older and he had some health concerns. They were red flags to me – it was heartbreaking to see.”

Sarah helped Marcus to access a local winter shelter – while she searched for a permanent home for him – one that would also welcome Bramble.

“I was determined to change his situation,” she says. “He really deserved to be housed. I was on the phone every day, contacting landlords and sourcing the extra deposit he’d need to move in somewhere with a dog.”

After months of uncertainty, Marcus finally had a place of his own.

“I was there when he got the keys,” Sarah recalls. “The smile on his face said it all – he was finally safe, warm and reunited with Bramble. Seeing them together again in the same space was wonderful.” Marcus is still grateful every day: "It's many, many, many times better than being in my van and it's all down to Sarah.

Hope for the future

“Having Bramble with me again brings contentment and peace. Having her to care for prevents me from getting depressed and lifts my mood. She's such a happy dog and always has a smile on her face - Sarah is absolutely in love with her."

Now, Marcus has safety and stability. He's made new friends, begun volunteering with Porchlight and other organisations, and feels hopeful about the future:

“I'm more content with myself and my situation. I have Bramble. I'm a lot happier."