“My support worker from The Passage listened to me and gave me so much empathy and compassion. I have not had that in such a long time.“ – Peter
Peter had a steady job in management and had been happily married to his beloved wife for 23 years. Life was good. “We were planning to retire and live on a narrowboat, exploring the canals. We loved it…”
Then Peter’s life changed unexpectedly. His wife died and he struggled to cope. He then suffered a back injury which meant he could no longer work, and he lost his job. Without a wage, in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, Peter’s life became even more challenging.
“I lost everything. I ended up on the streets. The only one who kept me going was my dog Poppy. She never let me down. Then I was the victim of a vicious attack.”
“Even Poppy couldn’t stop the thugs who beat me up. It was so bad I suffered PTSD. I didn’t know where to turn. Because of Poppy, I couldn’t get into a shelter. But I couldn’t live without her. I had no idea where I could get help.”
Many homelessness services don’t allow pets, which creates a barrier for those experiencing rough sleeping. Luckily, a nurse treating Peter told him about The Passage.
At The Passage, we understand the vital role a dog can play in providing companionship. That’s why we helped register Poppy as Peter’s support dog, ensuring she could stay with him in his new accommodation. We also assisted him in getting the medical treatment he needed, and for the first time in ages, he’s healthy. Now, Peter is ready to start looking for a new job.
“For the last two years it felt like I was dead and now I have been born again.”
Your donation could change or save someone’s life!
As the number of people forced to sleep on the streets of London reaches a new and tragic high, more and more people urgently need your help. By making a donation today, you can help someone to receive the support and care they deserve.
Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and we all have a role to play in ensuring that this becomes a reality.