Saleeha's story

Support Crisis at Christmas today

Donating to our Crisis at Christmas appeal can help someone like Saleeha start to build their life beyond homelessness. Here's her story... 

“In 2021, I moved back to London from Sudan to live with my parents. My husband had to stay in Saudi Arabia, but my dad was sick so I was supporting him. When my dad passed away, I stayed with my mum and tried to find a job, but it was tough because of the pandemic.

“I got pregnant, and that just made it harder to find a job. The council moved my mum into a shared house after my father passed. I knew I couldn’t stay there, so I went to the council to ask for help. My worst worry was that I’d have my baby and have nowhere to stay. But they rejected my application for homelessness assistance. I didn’t know what to do. I had no options. I still couldn’t find a job because no-one wanted to hire a pregnant person. I was really feeling down, I was depressed.

“I called Crisis, and I was so happy that they helped me straightaway. I was so used to getting bad news, bad news, bad news – but that was a good day. They understood. It was a big relief.

“Within a week, I had a lead worker, Hasina, and that’s where it all started. She really helped me out and guided me. It felt like there was someone who cared and wanted to help. 

“The Crisis legal advice team got the council’s decision overturned. I moved into temporary accommodation, but I didn’t feel safe. A man in the house really scared me. I’d wait until he was gone before I left my room. I was worried about still being there when my baby was born. 

“Again, Crisis helped me by challenging the suitability of my accommodation, and I was allowed to start looking for better places while I was still pregnant. They also helped me to write my CV – two of them actually. One for applying for accounting jobs when my son is older, and one for the jobs I can apply for in the meantime. The support Hasina gave me was amazing. 

“Crisis also referred me to Rising Stars while I was pregnant. They train you for three months and find you a job after. I had a job in an office reception for a month before I had the baby. 

“I actually went into labour when I was viewing the place I’m in now. So I had my baby one day, and signed the agreement the next. 

“I’m so happy that I have a home now with my son. I have the time to do things I enjoy, like crochet and sewing. My mum can visit too. Last year, I made her Christmas dinner – pizza, lasagne, ice cream. We felt like a family again.

“It means I can feel safe and secure, and that’s the main thing in life. I used to feel so scared and unsafe, but now I feel stronger.”

Find out more about our Crisis at Christmas appeal and how you can help to change someone's life this year.