A message from Jessica
Homelessness can happen for so many reasons. No one plans to be homeless, but life’s twists and turns can bring people to this unwelcome outcome. All the moving around, getting bounced from one temporary accommodation to another only serves to fracture what family and social support they may have had. It leaves people feeling isolated and with no sense of community and their only purpose in life is just to get through the day ahead.
At CUF, our approach to overcoming homelessness puts people at the heart – we build relationships!
That way our support is built on trust and we response to the direct needs of the individual. We are committed to prioritising authentic relationships and building community. By matching our volunteers to each individual, we can tailor our practical and social support to their own specific needs – helping them build confidence, draw on their skills, and see there really is a positive future ahead of them.
Getting alongside someone facing homelessness, meeting them for a coffee and a chat, helping fill in forms and access all the help and support that is available to them are just some of the wonderful things that our volunteers do. The most precious thing that they do though is to become a safe and accepting listener.
Many people who have been homeless are full of anxiety around the cost of living. They question whether they can really cope on their own and consequently often stay in less than healthy environments. They may be in abusive relationships and there may be children involved. All these things contribute to their situation being far from ideal. Our volunteers help people to access the support they need to live healthier, safer lives. What's more, they help to give them the confidence to make the positive choices for their lives to thrive once again.
To see people begin to thrive in their relationships and community and see homelessness firmly put behind them is the outcome that we all hope for them. And with your incredible support, you are making this a reality for those who desperately need support and friendship right now!
On behalf of all those facing homelessness who are meeting with caring volunteers – THANK YOU – because of your support they can now see that there is a future full of hope and opportunity.
And because of you, they have someone to talk to when they most need one.
Jessica Walker
CUF Wayfinder Programme Manager