Bob lives in one of our Hope into Action Bristol houses. He kindly shares part of his story and how he came to need to stay at Bethel House.

Can you tell us a little bit about how you came to need to stay here?

I’m originally from Weston-Super-Mare and I had a girlfriend who lived in Bristol. Eventually, I found a job in Bristol and moved in with my girlfriend, but we had relationship issues and I was basically made homeless. I’m not in contact with my family so I had nowhere to go. I have contact with my kids from a previous relationship but no-one else. I was still working and living in a little wood near South Bristol Crematorium. I was working 12-hour night shifts and then sleeping in a tent during the day. I was spending so much money on food and drinks every day because I didn’t have anywhere to store food.

Work was very good to me because I could use the shower and use the laundry. I was ‘living’ like this for about eight months. I was eventually found by St Mungo’s homeless outreach, who got me a space in Bristol Churches Shelter (inHope has management oversight of Bristol Churches Shelter). They weren’t quite open yet but when it opened a few days later, I was the first guest. It was just me and the shelter manager, Amanda, who let me in. We had pizza together and chatted until my night shift. It was such a relief to know I had somewhere to go with a bed and a private room. It was an amazing feeling.

During my stay at the shelter, I talked to the housing team at the council and they said that I could either find something private or with a charity. The manager of the shelter put me in touch with inHope, who run the Hope into Action Bristol houses. She helped me a lot with filling in forms and sorting out finances. Without staying at the night shelter, I don’t think I would have come here.

I decided that Hope into Action Bristol was the way to go for me because I didn’t think I’d cope being alone in private rented accommodation; I needed people to socialise with. I was also looking for somewhere that offered some support. I’ve been here for just over two years now.

How did you feel the day you moved in?

The week beforehand was really, really stressful, but the day I moved in here was absolutely blessed. I walked in and Carla (Tenant Empowerment Worker) showed me around. There was a food hamper waiting for me. It was very, very surreal. I was the only tenant at that point. It was just really strange, knowing I had my own key, my own room, a lounge and kitchen. For months and months, I’d been in the shelter with loads of people and meals were prepared for me. I hadn’t cooked for ages and I really fancied a bacon sandwich, so for my first meal I went to the shop and bought bacon.

What would you say has been the best thing about staying here?

I was working when I moved in, but there was a point where I lost my job, which is a worry for anyone. But staying here I was given support. Normally if you lose your job you’re stressing about money. I have been stressed but the support from Carla and the team has been amazing. She got me in contact with a debt management team at CAP (Christians Against Poverty) and she helped with a budget plan. My kids come to visit me and she’s helped me with their birthdays. She’s helped us put together a cleaning rota and sorted out new recycling bins when they broke. She’s always there with an ear to listen when I need to vent or I’m annoyed with something. She’s a very wise woman.

It was nice moving into a place which had everything. A kettle, microwave, cutlery, plates, towels etc, all the things you need but cost a lot if you have to buy them all at the same time. Those were worries off my mind and I could just focus on what was important – getting back on my feet.

The house is linked to a church in the area and an integral element of Hope into Action is that the partner church provides each tenant with some befrienders. How have your befrienders made a difference to you? 

Phil and Alice have been absolutely wonderful. I can ring them up even if it’s something minor. Like a couple of months ago when Carla was off and our kettle broke. I mentioned it to Alice and an hour later she turned up at the door with a kettle.

Mike was also my befriender at the beginning and I couldn’t praise him enough. We used to meet up for a coffee every Monday. When I was struggling at the end of the month with enough money for food, he’d let me know places in the community where they provided meals or food for people in need, like the foodbank and churches.

How do you feel about your future?

I’m sad to be leaving this place (tenants move on after 2 years). I love this house and I love the people I live with. I know I can see people after I move out but it’s that next step in life. It’s human nature to find change scary. But then it’s also exciting to see how far I’ve come in 2 years and think how far I can get in the next 2 years.

I’ve got three children and I would love them to stay overnight with me. The problem being in Bristol, with the prices of even a flat being as they are, I can’t afford it. I’ve been talking to Carla about moving out of Bristol, which might be the wise idea because then I might be able to afford somewhere. But I love Bristol and would love to stay here. I’ve got a meeting with the council’s private rental team next week, so let’s see what happens.

What would you say to someone considering applying to live in a Hope into Action house?

I would say go for it. If you’re in need of some support, be it financially, mentally, physically, spiritually, look into it. Talk to the staff, talk to past tenants. If you can, read the website. There’s lots of information around.

Find out more about Hope into Action Bristol here.