Meet Lee

Lee was a part-time cleaner just managing to pay the bills in his flat when his working hours were reduced to one day a week. He soon reached the point where he was unable to pay his rent and had no one to ask for help. He said, “it was all too much, I got kicked out of my flat and was told to go straight to the council. I waited two and a half hours to speak with someone and they said they’d try and get me into a Hostel. I spent that first night on the street. I’d been street homeless before, but I spent most of the night just walking around, for something to do. Then they put me in the crash pad at Peasholme hostel.”

Staying in the hostel is a safe space from 5pm at night until 10am the next morning, but all personal belongings have to be removed during the day, Lee spent one and half months in this uncertain state. Then he was told about Restore. Paddy went to see him at Peasholme Hostel, where Lee says he felt very depressed. He told Lee it could take a couple of months to get a room for him in a Restore House, but Lee was delighted to discover that just three days later a room became available for him. Over time living in Restore housing, he gradually lifted out of his depression. The community hubs have been a great help, giving him the chance to socialize with new friends, support to get out of debt and he’s feeling more confident now he’s keeping busy. He’s been able to update his C.V. and practice his interview skills.

Now a year and one month after joining Restore, he has the key to his own independent tenancy. He has waited for the council to install a new kitchen and the first thing he’s bought is an oven. This is a great help to Lee, who has discovered he enjoys cooking. He is waiting for his fridge and washing machine to be delivered. Lee is now saving money, so he has enough to pay for carpets in his new flat.

Lee says, “I am in a much better place with my mental health. I am trying to get cleaning work again.” Lee is smiling again and can’t remember when he last felt like this – it was a long time before he moved into the Restore house. He says his confidence has returned and he’s going to keep attending the Restore Community Hubs as often as he can.