Charlotte's story

Support Crisis at Christmas today

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

Charlotte's experiences of homelessness

Charlotte moved to the UK from Trinidad and Tobago over 20 years ago, and was living in temporary accommodation when Crisis first supported her. Jessica, her Crisis coach, helped her to find a new home and apply for funding to start a business. She now owns a successful food business in Edinburgh serving Caribbean vegan cuisine.

“My mum had cancer. We were all living in the same house with her, just to support her. After she passed, they said we had to leave the house as they’re going to sell it. It was privately rented. I was staying with my older sister, but my life had stalled. I didn’t realise how much I was still grieving. And then, when I had to leave, I went into temporary accommodation.

“My daughter was moving with me from place to place. Then they told me that I’d missed a message to say I’d got a council place. My phone was broken at the time, but they didn’t know, so they were still sending me messages.”

Discovering Crisis

Charlotte was introduced to Crisis. “First time entering Crisis, I’ve felt at ease. They were very friendly. I think the one thing I remember feeling is not feeling like I’m being ‘put down’.

“My first day at Crisis was helpful. I’m trying to find the right words because “helpful” is not enough as it was so much more than help. There was no judging. It was just a feeling of, “You’re a human being going through a situation and we’re here to help you,” and that was it. They didn’t care what the situation – it didn’t feel like they cared what the situation was or whatever, it was just, you’re in a moment and you’re having a moment. This is not you. At least I felt that they understood that this wasn’t me, and I just needed some help to come out of this situation that I was forced into.

“They helped me with paperwork and helped me to get out of that situation. They provided a deposit for my new home, and it just took a weight off my shoulders.

Charlotte told her Crisis coach, Jessica, that she wanted to start a business. Jessica supported her to apply for a Changing Lives grant. “I had to build a business plan, have an idea of where I wanted to go, what I’d be spending and stuff like that. I was given £1,500. That money has allowed me to set everything up."

Setting up a business

Jessica has been by Charlotte’s side as she’s developed her business. “She’s helped me to plan where to go next. She supported me without making decisions for me. 

“I do smoothies and street food, but it’s all really healthy. I make marinade sauces too, like the pepper sauce I’m just bringing out. Everything is homemade.
Everything’s vegan, everything’s fresh. We do food for festivals. We do food for birthdays, and we do all different occasions. Caribbean food is often seen as jerk chicken and a curry, so it’s like if you don’t have that on the menu, then you’re not true Caribbean. I want to show that vegan food can be just as tasty.

“For the future, I am hoping to get my sauces in grocery stores like Asda and Tesco. Having my own business means security. It’s given me the opportunity to try something.

"Because of the grant and the programme, I opened up my eyes to see that there’s so many different levels or avenues that this business can go into. So instead of being closed off, I’m now wide open to accepting things. It’s taught me to come out of my shell and have a bit more faith in myself."

Now Charlotte is housed in the privately rented sector. “My home is finally home. When I get in, I literally close the door, I take a deep breath, and it’s just home. I haven’t had that feeling in a long time. I’m trying not to let the business overtake the house – but at least now I have the space to cook!”

Charlotte's experiences of Crisis at Christmas

Charlotte returned to Crisis for Christmas 2023 to prepare food for our Christmas guests.

"The atmosphere during Christmas was amazing. I didn’t expect to be so full on in a good way. For this Christmas, I’m going to try and visit Crisis again."

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

*Charlotte's story reflects a real member's experience, but her name and photo were changed to protect her identity.