Will you give a gift to a young person experiencing homelessness?
We believe some things should never be too much to ask. But this winter, young people just like Rose are facing homelessness and a Christmas spent feeling lonely and isolated.
We can offer them companionship, advice, hot food and emergency support.
But we need your help. So many young people rely on us for safety and support in the run up to Christmas.
Will you help a young person like Rose today?
Rose’s Story
Rose became homeless after moving to Brighton from the West Midlands. We can’t share all the details of her situation, but her mother was suffering with extremely poor mental health and living as a family had become untenable.
Rose had high hopes for her move to Brighton. A talented artist, she thought the city would be the perfect place to grow, learn and become independent. But the reality of our city’s housing crisis meant she soon found herself moving from place to place – sometimes sofa-surfing, sometimes in emergency accommodation. She was even on the streets from time to time.
“I was labelled ‘intentionally homeless’ by the council, as if I’d chosen the events that led me here. Even family members told me I’d put myself in that position. But no one would ever choose that.”
At her lowest point, Rose needed company, support, hot food and a hot shower. In short, she needed hope. Instead she was made to feel shame for her situation. She was left feeling completely alone.
Rose’s experience of homelessness in Brighton was deeply traumatising. She quickly went from dreaming about the future to simply trying to survive from day to day. That uncertainty and loss of independence is extremely frightening for a young person. And without support, things can fall apart very quickly. For eight long months, Rose endured this new reality. But when she first came to Clock Tower Sanctuary, she immediately embraced the support and companionship that was available to her.
“If you’ve become homeless through family breakdown or abusive relationships, you literally have no one. But this is a place you can go to and get support. You’re listened to and respected. It just feels like a safe space.”
Rose has thrived since we were able to support her out of crisis and towards stability. She engaged with our one-to-one support and made full use of the practical advice we could give her. We’re so pleased to say that she has recently started renting not just her own flat, but her own creative space too.
Rose’s situation could have led to a lifetime of homelessness or something even worse. But with your help, she once again has hope for the future and a promising life ahead.
The Clock Tower Sanctuary is such an important place for young people experiencing homelessness in Brighton. But we can only keep it going with your support. This winter, we need your help more than ever.
Please, give whatever you can today to help a young person like Rose who are facing homelessness this winter.