Case study: Andrew

Andrew is 58 and has lived in London all his life. He has been homeless since his mid 40s after being conned when attempting to sell his family home after the death of his mother. He now lives in sheltered accommodation in East London.

I was working in the despatch department of a department store in Wimbledon. I was quite happy working there and stayed for 26 to 27 years up until 1996 when unfortunately I was made redundant because the firm was taken over.

I stayed in the house until my mum died, then I sold it and moved into a flat which someone had advised me was all paid for. But it wasn't. I was hoodwinked. To this day I haven't any idea where those people are. I don't really want to know because they fleeced me. The council evicted me for not paying the council tax. I didn't even know, I just didn't know. So technically I was homeless. I slept on the streets for the couple of months. Stayed in the park.

Somebody came around one day and they gave me a sleeping bag and stuff. A couple of women walking their dogs would come around the park - bring sandwiches, apples, orange juice- and that kept me going. Then somebody would pop down in the evening and bring a flask of coffee and then they'd come in the next day and pick up the flask and take it back again. I just carried on. I just sat there. Slept and lay on the bench.

One of those women connected me with Outreach and I went to stay in shelters. During that time they came and said to me, 'Andrew, there's a flat at Greentown Mansions'. And that's where I am now. It's independent living. Salvation Army. We have support workers and if we need anything we can go down and see them. It is £130 a week, but I've got housing benefits. I get £63 a fortnight. Use it for food, tobacco. I don't drink, never drink. I am going to have to move out in 2011, it's a two-year and during that time they might possibly find me another place.

I'm happy. I am looking forward to the future. I'm back on my feet as best I can. As long as I can keep with me faculties, afford me glasses, and keep fit. I am quite happy as I am, I've got me radio, I've got me books and me papers.

Posted on 11 October 2010