Mohammad came to the UK after fleeing war at home. Like many people in his position, when his status changed to refugee, he received his eviction note from the Home Office accommodation and had two weeks to find a new place to live. When the council didn't help him in time, Mohammad was forced into homelessness. 

“When I received the positive answer that my status had become a refugee, I received a written letter from the Home Office that I must leave the hotel within two weeks. Then I applied on the council system for accommodation as I was going to become homeless, and they generated an automatic serial number. 

“Then they assigned me one caseworker. I sent an email to her that I will be homeless on 16 October. After two reminders, on 12 October, I went to the Council, and the security did not allow me to go inside and meet the staff because they told me that you can only contact them either by email or by phone number.” 

Forced into homelessness 

When Mohammad didn’t receive the support needed in time, he was forced into homelessness on 16th October. That’s when he went to Crisis. 

“Without money, I couldn’t rent a house and I had no friends or family in the UK who could help me. First night, after college, I had no option but to stay outside, in the cold with all my bags. I called StreetLink but they said they can’t get to me for another two to three days. 

“I got help from my friend, so I was able to leave some of my bags in his room. After that first night, I had a conversation with my friend who told me to go to Crisis. When I first went to Crisis, I explained my situation and told them how my caseworker said I wasn’t a priority. 

Leaving behind homelessness for good 

“Crisis helped me find a house within a month. Santy, my lead worker, introduced me to a landlord, and I did some viewings. I saw a room then and the landlord told me, “When the room is ready, come,” and then gave me the key on 15 November. 

“Santy was amazing. He supported me so well. Crisis paid the deposit and a month's rent in advance. 

“It’s really comfortable. Because if a person has a home, you can do everything. You can study, and think positively. If you do not have a home, you will think negatively of everything. 

“A home is very important in life. If a person doesn’t have the protection, the shelter, and is forced to stay outside whilst suffering from mental health, it all gets worse and worse. 

“I’m still doing my accountancy and English language courses. It’s two days in a week. Monday and Wednesday, Level II Accountants. One day on Fridays I do English Language Level II. 

“I think I want to become a care worker.”