Attila's story

Attila moved to the UK in 2014 and worked in several jobs in catering and translation. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Raynaud's disease, almost lost his finger and had complications from an operation. He was then diagnosed with diabetes. 

He returned to work as a security guard, having gained several qualifications in this field but when the pandemic hit, he lost his job. He then had to leave the country to visit his dying parents and when he returned to the UK, his Universal Credit payments were stopped.

"I lost my mother to cancer. I lost my father to COVID. It was a confusing time." 

He was unable to find work due to the pandemic which forced him into homelessness. 

Crisis at Christmas

"When I came back to London, my Universal Credit payments were stopped. I tried to appeal but didn't get anywhere. It was the pandemic and it was difficult to find work. Not being able to pay rent forced me into homelessness. I slept on the bus, too ashamed to sleep on the street, I slept on the train."

"I was sleeping rough for about seven months. I was very stressed and agitated. I was at risk on the street because of my diabetes."

"Another person who was experiencing homelessness told me about Crisis. Christmas was coming."

"Before Christmas, I walked into Crisis. They sent me to the hotel in East London. They gave me shelter, food, haircut. They also told me to apply for Universal Credit again."

"I am so grateful to my coach, David. He has helped me with Universal Credit. He also provided me with a travel card so that I could get to appointments. He set up an appointment with a psychologist. He knew I was capable of doing things so he let me make my own decisions. I decided I wanted to get a heavy machinery license so that I can drive HGVs and David supported me to do the Construction Scheme Certification Scheme (CSCS)."

Where he is now

"After the hotel, Crisis found me a flat in Lewisham. I've signed a contract for 6 months and I'm still here. It took me a couple of months to get used to it. Crisis provided financial support to get some furniture for the house too."

"It feels good because it is my home."

"All I have to say is thank you and well done. I will never forget it."