On World Homeless Day (October 10) the Newham charity, Caritas Anchor House released a series of interviews with their residents telling stories about life on the streets that can help explode some of the myths about homelessness.

The stories reveal that the descent into rough sleeping and loneliness can happen to people from many different backgrounds.

The first talk in the series, which was inspired by rapper Kano’s fund-raising conversations Newham Talks, featured Cilla (below), a resident at Caritas Anchor House in Canning Town, whose story included experiences of both homelessness and mental health difficulties.

“My marriage broke down,” she says, “I couldn’t afford the bills and my mental health deteriorated. I was in a managerial position at work but my anxiety stopped me being able to travel. Eventually, I ended up becoming homeless and being referred to Caritas Anchor House.”

Anchor House says that Cilla’s story may help to clear up some misconceptions about the causes of homelessness. Often it’s assumed that homeless people come from a drug or alcohol abuse background. That may sometimes be the case, but everyone has their own story and the homeless can come from any walk of life.

Another video of the series featured an Anchor House resident who became homeless after a nightmare flatmate made living in his home unbearable. He suffered badly from depression and took an overdose, which led to him being hospitalised for four weeks.

He said:

People can become homeless for any reason. It is not a personal failing and it is not their fault. It can happen to anyone. You are only one pay cheque away from becoming homeless these days. We should all be a bit more compassionate.

Caritas Anchor House have 140 bed spaces, and last year supported 287 people. They say the crisis has become more acute in Newham because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the renewed threat of unemployment. Anchor House has already seen an increase in demand for their services. More information from: www.caritasanchorhouse.org.uk

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