William's story

William's story

This is William's story in his own words.

Providence Row keyworkers Gary and Jordan and volunteer David worked with William to help him get off the streets. William is now in accommodation and looking to the future. Here is William’s story. 

“When I first came down here I had been sleeping on the streets for two weeks, going in and out of hospital when I could to get warm. I’ve got osteoarthritis in my knees so trying to sleep on the floor at night was rough. I found it hard to get up. 

Someone told me about Providence Row and I thought I’d pop in to see what they could do for me.

David gave me a blanket and they took down the details of where I was sleeping so the Outreach team could come and find me. They came that night and had a chat with me and told me to come back to Providence Row the next day.

At Providence Row Gary said he had some options for me and told me about The Hub at Lewisham. That afternoon someone picked me up from the centre and took me to The Hub. They assessed me and I gave them the information they needed. That I’d been sleeping rough and had a problem with drinking. They were lovely people and gave me a sandwich and tea and coffee. 

That was a Godsend. It keeps you alive.

The Hub put me back in touch with my key worker at the Council, taking me down to the council offices for a meeting. They placed me in a hostel last Tuesday. I’ve got a bed, a lovely hot shower. It’s clean. I keep myself to myself. I get a shower every morning, then breakfast of tea and toast which is free. Next step will be moving to a bigger hostel, then fingers crossed my own place.

Jordan at Providence Row has helped me get onto a programme to help stop drinking.

I think the people at Providence Row, the Outreach team and The Hub are all absolutely amazing. Everybody was fantastic. I can’t give them enough credit. Amazing!" 

We would like to thank William for sharing his story with us!

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