Piotr's story

When Piotr lost his job and was unable to pay his rent, his landlord pushed him out of his home. He was forced into homelessness and slept in a park.

“It was a very tough winter sleeping rough, it was so cold. I was mentally down and had suicidal thoughts. I always chose places where nobody could see me. I felt sad and hopeless.

“You must think about where to sleep, especially when it’s raining or cold. You need to find anything that will help you keep warm; you need to think about food and where you can go to get clean. It’s not someone’s choice, they don’t choose to be on the street. People must understand that.”

His life changed when A&E at an hospital called Crisis. Over two years, Crisis supported Piotr into different accommodation including Brent’s night shelter, hotels, and Crisis at Christmas hotel.

“Olivia, my Lead Worker, is my second mother. She makes me feel good, because I have somebody who I can trust, and talk to about my problems. She helped me get access to immigration support, training, alcohol support and found me somewhere to live and a job. She referred me to the Employment Brokerage team, and I got a job on the London Underground as a cleaner.

“Olivia helped me to find a GP, and I told them about the problems my voice, and they sent me for the scan, and told me that I had cancer.

“I collapsed mentally again. I couldn’t work because I had to have so many radiotherapy and chemotherapy appointments.

“When I found out I had cancer, Crisis found me a room in the hotel and then I sofa surfed at a friend’s house. I had to go for radiotherapy every day, so it was not possible to work as well. Crisis helped pay for my daily trips to the hospital for radiotherapy.

“Now, I am cancer free and I’m in temporary accommodation, sorted by Crisis. I have a room, my own toilet with the shower, a small unit with a sink and fridge, and an oven with two hobs. On every floor, there is a laundry machine and dryer too. It’s much better and I have privacy.

“When something happens, Crisis will help me as much as they can. I am very happy. I’m a completely different person. It’s like starting a new life, thanks to Crisis.”