Dave

After years in retail and hospitality, Dave changed careers to work in homelessness and recovery services, driven by a passion for social justice and supporting people to rebuild their lives.

What drew you to work at Single Homeless Project?

I wanted to do something I genuinely cared about. I’d worked in retail and hospitality management for a long time, and it wasn’t fulfilling. During lockdown I had time to think, saw a job at Single Homeless Project, and although the role wasn’t my dream job, I loved what the organisation was about and knew I had transferable skills. I applied, got the job, and eventually moved into a role I’m truly passionate about. Now it feels like I’m winning – I’m here doing work that excites me.

Can you walk me through your career path so far?

I started in the maintenance team as a Contracts Officer, supporting accommodation services and managing relationships with external companies. While I didn’t have direct experience in property or contracts, I knew my management background would help. From early on, I knew I wanted to work more directly with people who’d experienced trauma.

A role came up in the Camden Drug and Alcohol Service: Transformation and Equity Lead. I look at barriers faced by marginalised groups in recovery and work with staff and clients to remove them. Some barriers are simple to fix, like offering alternative prescription collection sites; others take longer due to historic mistrust. Year on year the outcomes are improving.

One thing that stands out is how closely our staff reflect our client base – we genuinely embrace diversity.

What was it like to progress your career at Single Homeless Project?

My progression has felt supported and encouraged. Even in central services, I was exposed to the breadth of our work, which helped me understand the organisation. Single Homeless Project doesn’t treat departments like silos and wants people to grow, even if that means moving into a new role elsewhere in the organisation.

How did Single Homeless Project support your internal move?

I did a lot of training in my first role – much of it useful for what I do now. Single Homeless Project gave me time to train without making me feel guilty for being “off the desk.” My manager encouraged me to book onto training courses that would help my development. Single Homeless Project wants its people to be the best they can be.

What skills or experiences did you gain in your previous role that helped you succeed in your current one?

I did all the core Single Homeless Project training, trauma-informed care, safeguarding, mental health, which gave me a strong foundation. Site visits helped me meet residents and understand their realities, so by the time I moved into frontline work I already had that grounding. The learning culture meant I could shape my development and be prepared when the right role came up.

What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through your career journey here?

A lot. I’ve learned I can handle stressful situations and that my work can genuinely make a difference. And personally, it was through Single Homeless Project that I discovered I’m autistic. Speaking to professionals made things click, and that understanding helped me develop strategies that make me better at my job and kinder to myself. It’s been professional and personal growth at the same time.

What do you enjoy most about working here?

Two things:

• Feeling like I’m making a difference.
• The people – Single Homeless Project attracts people who value social justice.

And on a lighter note, as someone covered in tattoos and piercings who would never wear a suit, I love being somewhere I can show up as myself.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining Single Homeless Project?

Don’t be put off if you don’t have direct experience. Single Homeless Project values transferable skills and the right mindset. They want passionate, empathetic people and will upskill you.

I could easily have talked myself out of applying, but it changed my life. If the mission matters to you, go for it.

What was the biggest challenge in transitioning to a new role? 

My first role was central-services-based and far from the people we support. Moving into frontline work meant suddenly supporting people dealing with trauma, and that was a big adjustment. But Single Homeless Project helped me to manage the transition well – we have reflective practice, team spaces to decompress, and supportive managers. It was challenging but absolutely worth it.

What have been some key turning points or milestones in your journey?

One was seeing a client from my LGBT recovery group go from attending sessions to getting a paid job with us. Seeing someone go from recovery to colleague is exactly what this work is about.

Another was representing Single Homeless Project at London Pride. We centred trans people on our float at a time of high transphobia, and we didn’t hesitate. Knowing we were publicly backing one of the most marginalised groups said a lot about us as a charity.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Make the most of the learning opportunities. I’ve never worked anywhere with so much training and so many managers telling you to take it. It’s rare – grab those opportunities and grow in the direction you want.