Crisis Kits

Karl’s story

When Karl was on the streets, he found it impossible to access support services. It made him feel that the current way the system is set up criminalises people and perpetuates homelessness rather than ending it. With help from Crisis, he’s getting back on his feet.

“I just asked someone for 20p to use the phone. Police saw it and arrested me for begging. The court fined me and sent me straight back to the streets. No more help. Nothing. You get mental fatigue trying to access any kind of support services. If someone’s begging, that person needs help, not being arrested for it.

“Crisis got me in touch with a mental health worker, then helped with housing and benefits, even my English and maths. Crisis invested in me and gave me the tools to help myself. I try to explain to people just how much of a difference it makes for someone to treat you like a human being.”

Owen’s story

Owen was badly bullied for being gay and ended up suicidal and alone. He didn’t get the vital help he needed from mental health services and ended up sleeping in his car. Now he’s running training courses for Crisis.

“I never thought being gay would contribute to being homeless. I didn’t have an easy time coming out, and was very badly bullied at school because I was gay, but there were no teachers I could talk to. There are a lot of issues surrounding self-esteem in the LGBTQ+ community, it makes you feel like you can’t properly fit into the world. In the end I had a breakdown and felt suicidal. I wasn’t getting the help that I needed from mental health services.

“When I came to Crisis, all I had was a carrier bag with all my stuff in it. I registered for classes and got help from the mental health and well-being coordinator.

“I’m in supported accommodation now, and in recovery. I’m also a Rainbow Ambassador for Crisis, which has been an amazing boost for my self-esteem.”

Isaac’s story

When Isaac’s marriage broke down, he lost everything – his visa, home and job. With no options and no government support, he was forced onto the streets. Isaac was homeless for years, but thanks to Crisis, he’s now rebuilding his life.

“I was working hard and paying taxes, but I couldn’t get my visa extended. So my landlord kicked me out and I lost my job. The council and Home Office wouldn’t help, so I ended up on the streets.

“When I first came to Crisis, I had a meeting with a coach and talked about how they would help. The courses brought my confidence back and reminded me I can still learn new things.

“Now I’m in a hostel and I’ve done the retail training and café training schemes with Crisis. I’ve learnt so much! Doing the training scheme has opened me to more options. I could go into customer service, personnel, health & safety, work in retail itself or go into fashion, or maybe even design.

“Crisis courses have motivated me and given me more confidence. I know the future will be bright because I know it will be easier for me to find a job.”

Ellen’s story

Chronic pain makes it hard for Ellen to work. Like a lot of people with health problems, she can’t get social housing or afford anywhere on housing benefit. She’s been homeless three times, but thanks to support from Crisis, she hopes to become self-employed.

“Two years ago, my landlady decided to sell up and I became homeless. There was nothing I could afford on housing benefit.

“Thanks to Crisis Skylight courses, I’ve developed as an artist. I’ve been performing and publishing poetry. I’m taking photos, blogging, doing a website design course and have even trained and work as an assistant journalist for Crisis. Through friends I made at Crisis, I ended up performing at Shakespeare’s Globe as ensemble cast last year, which was a blast.

“My progression coach is very encouraging, and supportive with benefits and available funding too. I’m currently applying for funding for professional training, so things are really working out.”

David's story

The system left David with zero options. Because he didn’t have a permanent address, he couldn’t get a bank account or benefits. Crisis gave him the solid ground to get back on his feet.

“I’d lived in Japan for over 25 years, teaching a University of Cambridge program in English language and literature. When my marriage ended, I moved back to the UK. My initial plan was to stay in cheap hotels, but it became obvious that the little money I’d put aside was not going to last long.

“I couldn’t apply for Universal Credit without a bank account, and I couldn’t get that without a permanent address. The local council wouldn’t accept the address of the Church shelter I was staying at, despite the church saying I could use it. But Crisis got me there in the end.

“Without the support, advocacy, advice and general kindness shown to me by Crisis staff, I would still be struggling to re-establish my legal identity as a UK citizen. Crisis have given me the solid ground to get back on my feet and keep on moving forward.”