Strength, Setbacks, and New Beginnings

After living in the UK for several years, Eduardo suddenly found himself homeless in the wake of Brexit. Despite holding an Italian passport, he no longer had the right to work—and without work, he had no way to support himself.

In 2022, Eduardo reached out to us for help. What he found was a team ready to listen, understand, and stand by him as he navigated the complex challenges of homelessness in London.

Our keyworkers quickly stepped in, offering him the resources and support needed to begin rebuilding his life. Our Migration team also helped him apply for Settled Status, giving him a pathway to regain stability in the UK.

A Fresh Start — and New Challenges

After a period of dedicated support, Eduardo reached a major milestone: he secured safe, stable accommodation. With a roof over his head for the next 18 months, he began to focus on his recovery and long-term goals.

But like many journeys through homelessness, Eduardo’s path was a roller coaster ride.

In April 2024, his situation took another difficult turn. The environment in his shared accommodation became increasingly toxic, as his housemates struggled with addiction. To protect his own well-being and stay on track with his recovery, Eduardo made the difficult choice to leave.

To make matters worse, Eduardo’s passport was stolen—leaving him without the vital ID he needed to prove his right to work. Recognising how critical this was, our Skills and Opportunities Coordinator, Marina decided to pay for his application for a new passport.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we were able to cover the cost of a new Italian passport, opening the door once again for Eduardo to find work. The next few months required patience—but in July 2024, the good news arrived: his new passport was ready.

With proof of identity and the legal right to work in hand, Eduardo was ready to rebuild once more. He found a job as a chef in a local restaurant and quickly discovered a passion for his work.

But recovery is rarely a straight road. A few months ago, Eduardo began to face challenges with his mental health and addiction. He approached us again, and with our ongoing support, he has found stability and strength. Today, he’s in a much better place.

Eduardo’s aspirations go beyond his current job. He’s now enrolled in a Business Management undergraduate course at university—a big step toward a brighter, more secure future.

With the right support, encouragement, and belief, people can overcome great obstacles and build lives filled with purpose and hope. We’re proud to have walked alongside Eduardo on his journey—and we’re excited to see where his next chapter takes him.