Hubert’s story

When Hubert lost his home in his 70s, his whole world changed. This is the story of how he navigated homelessness for the first time, and how the right support helped him find not just housing, but stability, respect and joy.

Hubert never imagined he would have to start again at 70.

For years, he lived in South London with his sister and nephew. They’d weathered life together, including the pandemic and Hubert’s retirement after more than 20 years working as a London bus driver. Home was stable. Familiar. Safe.

Then, last year, everything changed.

After his sister became unwell, their relationship suddenly broke down. Almost overnight, Hubert was told he had to leave.

“I’d never been in that position before,” he says. “It was the last thing I expected. At my age, you think this is the time when you’re supposed to be settled.”

With nowhere to go, Hubert sofa-surfed with a friend for a couple of months while trying to find help. He visited Age UK and his local council, moving between appointments, assessments and uncertainty. Eventually, he spent time in a hostel and then in shared temporary accommodation.

“It was very stressful,” he says. “I’m a very tidy person. Every time I wanted to use the kitchen or bathroom, I had to clean it first. You don’t realise how much that kind of stress builds up until you’re living it.”

What made it harder was his age.

“When you’re 20 or 30, maybe you can cope better. But at 70 plus, it’s different. You’re tired. You’re vulnerable. And you’re thinking, ‘How did I end up here?’”

Finding the right support

While staying in temporary accommodation, Hubert was supported by workers who recognised that he didn’t belong in a hostel long-term. Through Single Homeless Project, things began to move.

“They saw I needed somewhere I could feel safe and settled,” Hubert says. “And from then on, things started to change.”

After an interview process, Hubert was offered an apartment in an over-60’s community residency in South London. He still remembers the moment clearly.

“They said, ‘Welcome.’ That’s all I needed to hear,” he says. “It was such a relief. I felt the stress just leave my body. Single Homeless Project were with me every step of the way. It made such a difference,” Hubert says. “They didn’t just say, ‘Here you go.’ They stayed with me through it.”

Within days, he had moved in. For the first time in months, he could sleep properly. He didn’t feel on edge. He didn’t worry about locking his door or sharing space with strangers.

“That’s the difference between surviving and thriving,” Hubert says. “Before, I was surviving. Now, I’m thriving.”

For Hubert, the support wasn’t only about housing. It was about being listened to, understood and treated with respect.

“They saw me as a person,” he says. “And that matters.”

Life now

Today, Hubert describes himself as “happy, peaceful and stress-free”. He has made friends where he lives, shares conversations and laughter, and enjoys the simple routines that make a place feel like home.

“I could spend the whole day here and feel completely relaxed,” he says. “That’s not something everyone has.”

He keeps active, exercises every morning, eats well and looks after himself. But more than anything, Hubert believes it’s his mindset that has carried him through.

You have to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, who else is going to believe in you?

For Hubert, kindness, positivity and connection matter deeply.

“What you give out to people comes back to you,” he says. “If you’re angry and negative, people feel it. But if you show kindness and respect, people want to help.”

“Age is just a number”

Starting again in later life hasn’t been easy. Hubert doesn’t shy away from that. But he also rejects the idea that life stops at a certain age.

“People think when you’re in your 70s, that’s it,” he says. “But age is just a number. If you feel young, you stay young.”

He laughs about staying out late at Christmas, enjoying music, food and company, before returning home in the early hours. “Why not?” he says. “I’m alive. That’s a gift.”

When asked about the future, Hubert keeps it simple.

“I don’t make big plans,” he says. “I just enjoy each day. I wake up, and I’m thankful. I’m happy. And when you’re in a good place in your mind, you can deal with anything.”

For Hubert, home has meant more than a roof over his head. It has meant peace, self-respect and the chance to start again at a time in life when many people believe that chance no longer exists.

How we help

Single Homeless Project’s Resettlement Teams work hard to find the right housing for people ready to move on from hostels. But it’s never just about the property.

We support people through every practical step that makes starting again possible – navigating complex systems, arranging appointments, securing proof of ID and bank accounts, organising essentials, attending viewings, writing references and sometimes simply being there when it all feels overwhelming.

We know that rebuilding your life takes more than a set of keys. It takes persistence, belief, practical support and someone in your corner. Whatever someone’s age, we’re with them every step of the way.