Dawit, a 36-year-old from Eritrea, came to the UK seeking asylum in June 2021, but his dreams for a new land and new opportunities descended into something he never could have anticipated: homelessness.
He was initially housed by the Home Office until he received his British Residence Permit in February 2024, but government regulations required him to move out after getting his permit. He was unable to find housing before his move-out date, leaving him homeless.
With minimal English reading and writing skills, Dawit is one of many asylum seekers who sadly have experienced homelessness due (in part) to the language barriers that inhibit understanding the legalities and technicalities of the British housing system.
He remembers his experience with homelessness well: “It was winter — cold, hard. Sometimes I would ‘sofa surf’; but more often I was on the streets in an underground parking lot in Croydon,” he said.
Dawit was rough sleeping for a month before a church in Brixton signposted him to HOPE worldwide UK’s Two Step programme. The Two Step team quickly got to work and found him accommodation at the end of February 2024.
“I was so happy with the respect shown to me by the HOPE worldwide staff,” Dawit said, who also gives thanks to the church that “helped and guided him”.
“I was happy with the accommodation; it was fine; a bit small perhaps, but decent. Better than sleeping on the streets,” he added. He was particularly grateful for the household goods that the organisation provided for his flat, including bedding, pillows, a microwave, pots, pans, cutlery, towels, and more.
The accommodation HOPE worldwide UK provided for Dawit laid a foundation for him to move on with his life. He is now living in temporary accommodation with his wife and two children, who joined him from Eritrea.
When not working, Dawit enjoys watching and playing football (he’s a Manchester United fan) and watching Eritrean movies. Dawit said: “Life is good. I don’t need to go to the job centre and sign on. I’m working.”
