I (Sarah, editor) met with Alan in the Wild Goose on a Thursday afternoon in October. We met in the office, along with Wild Goose Assistant Ben, to have a chat about Alan’s life and what circumstances made him need to come to the Wild Goose.

“I’m 48 years old and I’ve worked all my life. Before the pandemic hit, I was living in shared accommodation. I was working and paying my rent. I was trying to find a property in Bristol for me to live, that wasn’t shared accommodation, but private renting in Bristol is a nightmare. I had a steady income, enough for a deposit, an 18-year reference as a council tenant and multiple years references from other landlords on top of that, but because I wasn’t a student or a professional, they didn’t want to touch me with a barge poll.

When the pandemic started, my Mum and stepdad said I should come and live with them so that I wouldn’t be alone. I carried on working at a warehouse but things with my Mum and stepdad weren’t great. Since a kid we never saw eye to eye. I’m kind of like the black sheep of the family. My sisters have all got mortgages and kids but that’s never materialised for me. I got into an argument with my stepdad and the police were called. I was told I couldn’t stay there anymore.

I was homeless and I lost my job. I slept rough for three days. On the second night, two people tried to start a fight with me. I managed to walk away. I didn’t have access to my clothes, belongings or any toiletries, nothing. My sister called me and said you can’t sleep rough but my sisters all live up North. I ended up sleeping on my friend’s sofa. But they were an older couple with health issues and they could have got chucked out of their council flat if the council found out I was there. So I spent day after day at the central library trying to keep warm because it was so cold in the middle of January.

 

I slept some nights in A&E at the BRI. It’s crazy how many homeless people do that.

I already knew about the Wild Goose, so I came down here for food, a place to come and sit and charge my phone. I also got my washing done, had showers and got clean clothes and toiletries here. I also found out about the free haircuts too. Just because I was homeless didn’t mean I was an animal. I was so grateful and made me feel human.

Every day I would report to Bristol City Council saying I want to work and contribute but I’m stagnating just stuck in the library. I was given a Housing Officer but because of my band (single male with no health problems) they couldn’t provide any accommodation for me. They referred me to so many different agencies but no-one could help me. I kept going round in circles.

The couple I was sleeping on their sofa got me the number for Emmaus.”

(Emmaus is a charity that provides accommodation for people who are homeless. Tenants are expected to volunteer in one of their charity shops, on the vans doing house clearances / deliveries, or donation sorting. Support Workers are available to identify support needs, such as mental health, addiction and family breakdown.)

“I called Emmaus and they invited me to come in and meet them. It was pretty intense. But I told them my story and they said I sounded genuine. They invited me to do a shift of volunteering in the shop to see how I got on. They let me know I got a space and I’ve been there ever since. That was 7 months ago.

I still come to the Goose for a haircut and I’m always offered a meal. The best thing about the Goose is you’re really welcoming.

 

I think the staff are brilliant, to be honest. Every time I come in you know my face and my name. I’m recognised. I can talk to you. You genuinely care. You give me faith that there are good people out there. There aren’t a lot of places during the day that offer hot food, so it’s good that you’re here. When I get back on my feet I want to come and help and give back.

I’m grateful for what you do. A lot of people appreciate what you do. There are so many people who’re reliant on you. I know it’s hard with funding but you guys continue to do it and it’s genuinely appreciated.”