The 10th of October marks World Homeless Day, and as members of Homes For Cathy, North Star believes that housing associations are critical in ending homelessness.

The number of households living in temporary accommodation in England is at an all-time high, which is why it is so important that people have access to support to help them get back on their feet.

North Star provides a range of supported services for groups such as people experiencing homelessness, young people leaving care, and people who are recovering from addiction.

Our Hestia service supports women with complex needs to regain their independence and one of our longest-standing tenants moved on from this service just last week.

Having had the support to build valuable life skills and greatly improve her mental health and well-being, she now feels confident and able to move on to independent living.

Here is a wonderful poem she wrote about her experience:

‘I was a girl as shy as can be,
Living with anxiety and PTSD.
Over my time in Rainham,
I slowly came out of my shell.
Slowing knocking them walls down,
And finding myself.
The years had passed, and my time has come,
To move out into a place I can call my forever home.

If it wasn’t for courses and the staff believing in me when I never believed in myself, I’m not sure where I would be.

Love, A’

You can read more about people we have supported here: https://www.northstarhg.co.uk/about-north-star/news/starts-at-home-day-2024/