J. (Birmingham)

I became a vendor some years ago when I was evicted from my property for non-payment of rent. At the time I didn't have any support and didn't understand the system of claiming Housing Benefit to help pay the rent.

For a long time I didn’t want to engage with Foundation staff and rejected all offers of help and advice. I really did feel embarrassed by the mess I’d got myself into. I didn’t believe I would ever be eligible for housing again.

After a long period of homelessness, which I freely admit led to bouts of both drug and alcohol misuse I eventually began to respond to continued offers of support from Big Issue staff. It took a long time for me to regain confidence and feel able to trust in the support being offered.

Eventually, I was persuaded to make a homelessness application to the City Council housing department. With Foundation staff advocating on my behalf and supporting me through the process, I was offered a one-bedroom flat in an area of the city which I’d known as a boy.

I moved in to my new flat a year ago and I can honestly say that I feel like I have come home. After initial support to obtain basic furniture, get my utilities sorted and bring on board a member of the Tenancy support team from my housing provider, I am now maintaining my tenancy with minimal support from The Big Issue. But I’ll never forget all the help and support The Big Issue gave me to get me to where I am.

One year on I accessed the Big Issue Jobs Education and training worker and completed a number of basic on-line skills courses. With these under my belt and a referral from the JET worker I was eligible to apply to a local Adult Education College, which offers free tuition, accommodation and meals. Students can apply for bursaries to cover their costs.

I don’t want to become a resident at the college as I don’t want to give up my home. But I does intend to continue to access courses both at The Big Issue, the local libraries on-line facility and at the College.

A year ago I didn’t have the confidence or the motivation to do any of this. I am fit and well. Drug and alcohol free. I’m very grateful for the help I received and very proud of my home.