Lainey lives at one of our specialist women’s homes in North London. She wants to be a vet and work with animals in the countryside. She’s studying animal management to achieve her dream. Lainey’s future looks bright now, but life has thrown many challenges at her. Her mum died when she was little, and then her Nan and Grandad passed away when she was living with them. Lainey and her brother moved in with her auntie, but, as we hear a lot, family doesn’t always equal love and support. At 16, Lainey was homeless on the streets and trying to navigate the dangers, a situation all too familiar to many homeless women.
“My auntie was verbally and physically abusive to me. Social services checked in, but all they saw was a clean house and food on the table and judged everything to be fine. They didn’t listen to me. They never took it seriously. I wish they understood more about abuse and that family can be very manipulative. If they did, maybe my brother and I would have gotten the help we needed. I felt I had no choice but to escape the situation and the area when I was 16.
“Over the next two years, I moved around. I slept in my friend’s car and then found a block of flats to hide in. I didn’t have anyone close to rely on.
“One night, I was raped in that block of flats. I went to social services for help, but they told me I’d chosen to leave home and wouldn’t do anything. I felt so alone and like no one cared. But something kept me going. I knew I had to get through each day.”
New beginnings
Lainey eventually found her way to Single Homeless Project and was supported by Sophie, one of our Service Managers. Years later, Sophie and Lainey still have a strong relationship.
“I met a lady who knew someone called Sophie at Single Homeless Project, and she suggested I go to her for help. When I met Sophie, I was shocked that someone wanted to help me. I got food, clothing, and a place to live straight away.
“I’m so happy I met her. Today, Sophie is like family to me. I know I can tell Sophie anything; she is never disappointed in me. I live in a home for only women now; I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for her.”
“I finally feel safe. Because I feel safe, I have more energy, am more open to doing things, and am not always looking over my shoulder. I always felt like I was being watched while staying in mixed hostels.
Lainey is now living life to the fullest. She’s diving into new interests and passions.
“I trained as a barista, recently taught myself how to tie-dye clothes, and I’m about to start a cookery skills course. I also have my first kitten, Patchie. He came to me with an eye infection, and I nursed him back to health. I feel proud of myself that I can look after him. I love animals. They don’t judge you, and the love they show you isn’t fake.”
Lainey says she’s seeing more and more young people on the streets these days, and she worries about them. She wishes they could get help and that more people would know the truth about homelessness, especially for homeless women.
“When you’re out and about, most homeless people you see on the streets are adults and often sitting on the ground. Young homeless people aren’t like that, especially women. We’re always walking around or hiding, but I can always spot someone who doesn’t have anything. I want to tell them there is help and not to give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Lainey also has a message for the public who see people rough sleeping.
“I know what it is like out there. Some people will look at you in a nasty way because you look dirty. I’d like them to know that homelessness is harder than anyone thinks it is and not to judge people. You can go days without eating and sleeping. It’s tough.”
Lainey’s story shows that people can overcome homelessness and thrive. Homelessness is an experience, not forever.
Click here to learn more about how we support women who are homeless and advocate for the system changes they need.
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