“I’ve been a fashion designer for 31 years. I do all sorts – lingerie, wedding dresses, dresses for pageantry, as well as men’s clothes. I also make curtains and cushions.
“I design everything myself, then make it to order. I have lots of clients.
“I had a fashion show in Colchester last year, and I’m getting ready for another fashion show next month (November 2018), for Black History month, in Tottenham.
“My favourite things to make are the pageant dresses, and I also like making the difficult stuff – that gives me a good sense of achievement.”
Becoming homeless
“I started my own business in April 2018, but it failed. I was one month behind with my rent. My lady friend who I was living with threw me out. She didn’t understand my situation. She gave me notice and I had to leave, but then she threw out my stuff on the landing and some of it, including my materials, got wet. I have had to throw some of them away.
“I lived with her since 2016. After all that happened I realized she was a council tenant and no longer needed a lodger. I hadn’t looked at it like that – she was helping me out and I was grateful for that. But it meant I didn’t have a tenancy agreement which has caused me problems trying to find new accommodation, as they all ask for past tenancy agreements and references.
“After I was thrown out, I called one of my friends. She came and picked me up and we went to the police station, but because I didn’t have a tenancy agreement, they couldn’t do anything.
“My friend said I could stay with her for a night. Then I stayed with another friend for another night. I was sleeping on people’s sofas.
“I went back to my housing officer and told them about what happened, then they told me about the 999 Club’s night shelter.
“I have been sleeping there for about a month now.
“This is my second time being homeless. The first time was in 2012/2013. I was on the night busses and also sleeping on sofas of friends and family. I was working then. None of my colleagues knew I was homeless. I just put on a brave face but it was hard.
“I have got help trying to find accommodation and they [999 Club] gave me a bus allowance to go to [property] viewings. I have found accommodation but because of my situation, not having a tenancy agreement from my previous landlord, that has put me in a spot. I am finding it difficult to find accommodation.
“[At the 999 Club] I get breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evenings.
“During the day, I have job interviews or meetings.”
Hardest things about being homeless
“It’s very difficult to explain what it’s like, being homeless. It’s very hard knowing that you need to find somewhere to sleep, have a proper good night’s sleep, and have somewhere my kids can come to visit me.
“I just want to run my business so I can help teach people skills, and have a roof over my head.”
Advice for people
“My advice to people would be – approach that homeless person with caution. Don’t judge them. Talk to them to find out why they are homeless and what kind of help you can offer.
“There are so many homeless people out there, some of them are skilful. Every homeless person has a different situation.
“As soon as people hear you are homeless, they start to treat you a different way. They make assumptions about you. I want to say to them – don’t judge people, just talk to them.
“I was sitting on the bus and got inspired for messages about homelessness. I want to put these on t-shirts, to tell people what it’s like to be homeless. It’s hard, but I’m hopeful I can find a situation to this.
“I want people to understand that anyone can be homeless.
These are my points:
- Stand together as homeless. Help, inspire each other.
- Don’t be ashamed of being homeless. Be proud of what you achieve.
- Stand up for homeless. Show them you care.
- All homeless stories and situations are different. Help us tell them.
- Anyone can be homeless: it just takes one bad situation or experience.
- I am homeless. My story needs to be heard.
- I am a skilled homeless person. Treat me with respect. You don’t know my ability.
- Don’t label me because I am homeless. Get to know my story.
- Show us some love even though we are homeless. You may receive some blessing.
- Can I tell you my story? I am homeless, will you listen?
- Being homeless doesn’t stop me from following my dream. Get up and start again.