How can you help a young homeless person to be safe?

  • 23 July 2021

“It wasn’t until Coram gave me keys to my own room that I felt I could sleep safely at night.”

“I grew up knowing I was unwanted. My mum was on her own and had problems with drink and drugs which meant I was either neglected or abused depending on her state. It got so bad that running away seemed like the best option and eventually I just left.”

“I was 16 years old, living on the streets in London or on floors of people I’d just met. I felt so frightened and as if I was nothing. I never knew where I would be sleeping each night, and sometimes I used to think I just wouldn’t make it.”

“Thankfully, someone put me in touch with Coram. Coram gave me somewhere to live and have helped me to look after myself. They helped me enrol on a college drama course.”

“It’s the first time I’ve felt that anyone has cared.”

Names, images and some details have been changed to protect the identity of the young people we help.

How you can help young people like Katie

Sadly, Katie’s situation is not unusual. For many young people – especially those who have fled abusive homes – the transition to independence can be extremely difficult.

How can you look for a room or a flat if you don’t have credit on your phone? How can you wash yourself if you don’t have any toiletries?

With little money, and no family support, is it any wonder that so many vulnerable young people become homeless or fall into a life of drink, drugs and despair?

But, with a gift from you today, we can give young people like Katie the basic essentials and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Since 1739 Coram we’ve been helping vulnerable children and young people to learn skills, start a career, and most importantly to feel safe and loved.

Help give young homeless people like Katie a safe place to live and the chance of a brighter future.