Cristinel’s Story
"Your Place trusted and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself."
I’ve been at Your Place since 2022. It’s been exceptional. Here I’m safe and away from the dangers of the streets.
I left home at eighteen. I had a good job; I was a technician for a good company, but I knew I couldn’t stay. I experienced domestic violence when I was younger, and I always said that when I was old enough, I would leave and make a better life. At first, it didn’t work out how I wanted, but I’m here now, and I’m okay.
Before Your Place, I had been street homeless on and off for around five years. I also lived with family at times, but that didn’t work out. My only option was to be on the streets.
Sleeping rough was an adventure; a tough one. The streets weren’t safe; I would try to stay away from everyone. It was lonely, but I got used to being solitary.
"When I first came to Your Place and went into my room, I felt hopeful. Hopeful for the future. I had the chance to change things."
The support here is great. It’s the smallest things that make you feel supported. I was given a mug on my birthday as a present; that meant a lot to me.
When I first moved here, being around so many people was hard, but I made friends, and I’ve definitely learnt to be more accepting of people. I’ve been helping a few people with translating, and it feels nice to have someone to chat with.
I’ll be moving out soon, into my own flat. My key worker helped me with all the applications and came to the viewings with me. The team also helped me get a local job at a restaurant. Currently, I’m trying to save more money for the move. I’m really looking forward to having my own space and being more independent again. It will be a learning experience for sure – I haven’t had my own home before.
Really, the most important thing I was given here was trust. Your Place trusted and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.
Cristinel’s image has been changed.
