"Now I realise what happiness is." - Mark's Story
Mark came to HARP after being homeless for eight years. He was squatting and sofa-surfing to avoid sleeping on the streets and coping...
Are you sleeping rough, sofa surfing or at risk of becoming homeless in Southend? Chat to us now or call 01702 615000
Stories
At HARP, we believe that with the right combination of shelter, support and educational, confidence boosting activities everyone has a good chance of overcoming homelessness. We help everyone who walks through our doors to address any issues that might surround their homelessness and help them get back on their feet again. Here are just a few stories from some of the people we have helped...
"I can finally move on with my life" - Neil's Story
Neil, one of our residents, had a dream - a dream that one day he would not be held back by his dyslexia. Neil moved into HARP...
"I know with the support of HARP I will be fine" - Clive's story
Born and bred in Leigh-on-Sea, 57-year-old Clive lived in a boatshed with no heating or running water before finding HARP. Read his story.
“Without HARP, I’d still be on the streets!”- Jess's Story
Jess slept rough for the first time when she was just 11 years old. At age 25, she again found herself on the streets but then found HARP.
“I didn’t believe that I had a warm home for the first time in so long” - Joinah's story
Joinah became homeless after leaving an unhappy marriage and suffering from severe depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress
“It feels like I’ve been given a ticket to my own life” - Ray's Story
Ray was sleeping in his car when he discovered HARP. Now he is back on his feet and getting involved in the local community.
"I was terrified!" - Jack's story
25-year-old Jack came to HARP after being evicted and struggling with addiction. Jack is now at university and wants to help others.
"HARP saved me" - Mark's Story
Mark now works for our property team but he initially came to HARP when he found himself rough sleeping after losing his job.
"Volunteering is good for me" says Simon
Simon lives in HARP's supported housing provision and started volunteering while he on the waiting list for a local housing association.
"Don't Give Up!" Says Former HARP Resident On World Homeless Day
Having moved out of HARP and into her own council flat, Marie has an important message for others facing homelessness: "Don't give up!"
"HARP grounded me so I could find my footing again"
Lindsey's rollercoaster journey included severe mental illness triggered by a violent sexual assault. She is now woking towards a PhD.
"Coming to HARP is the best thing I ever did"
After escaping abusive relationships and alcohol addiction, Vicky overcame homelessness in our single gender housing, White Heather House.
Darren's Story
Darren has a history of mental health issues, addiction, and self-harm after an abusive childhood. But he's moving forward with HARP's help.
Lucy's Story
Lucy* had it all – a good job, a lovely home and a man she was madly in love with, but her world came tumbling down when he cheated on her.
Paul's story
Paul was evicted from his home in Spain following the death of his mother. But after coming home to the UK his health deteriorated.
“If I didn’t come to HARP, I’d probably be dead now. If I had been on the streets long term, I would
David worked for 10 years whilst homeless before before a serious lung condition forced him out of work. Then he found HARP.
“I was so negative about Christmas. But, thanks to HARP, I got a nice bed and a lovely meal.”
“I was so negative about Christmas... But, thanks to HARP, I got a nice bed and a lovely meal."
“The staff at HARP make you feel like you’re part of society again."
Jay, a civil engineer, found himself homeless after losing his partner, his home and his job. Jay has got back on his feet with HAP's help.
VIDEO: Matthew's Story
VIDEO: See how Matthew turned his life around with HARP's support.
“I got lucky, they sent me to HARP”
John spent nearly ten years working and living out of a van before coming to HARP. Now, he is making great progress towards a new life.
‘I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for HARP’
After ten months on the streets, Andy came to HARP for help where he has "a new found security" and took part in our meaningful activities.
Julie's story
An independent woman who had previously worked in adult social care, Julie's life had a dramatic turn until she was referred to HARP.
Ron's Story
Before coming to HARP Ron had spent 30 years sleeping rough or finding a bed for the night in hostels and night shelters.
Robert's Story
After falling out with his mum and staying at a bed & breakfast, Robert found himself on the streets - until he found HARP.