“Would you believe that someone who has a University Degree, their own business, and a job in the Healthcare industry, would end up homeless?” – Latoya
When everything changed
“Life before homelessness wasn’t perfect, but it was stable. I ran an online fashion business, had a job, and managed my finances well. I paid my bills and maintained my independence – until my work contract ended.
I was unemployed for six months before I became homeless. During that time, my business was no longer profitable, and I was also battling a diagnosed skin condition that required three minor surgeries within one year. As my health declined, so did my finances.
The pressure of unemployment took its toll. Debt increased, bills piled up, and eventually I could no longer afford my rent. My landlord told me I had to leave my home. So I did – and that’s when my journey through homelessness began.
Nothing could have prepared me for it.“
Experiencing homelessness
“I spent several months sleeping in a women’s homeless shelter. Life felt overwhelming, disorientating, and deeply unfair. It was a blur, and I was simply trying to survive.
During this time, a member of staff told me about The Passage. They explained that I could access meals, practical support, and dedicated casework at the Resource Centre. I showed up – and that decision changed my life.“
Finding hope at The Passage
“By night I slept at the shelter, and by day I visited The Passage Resource Centre. What I experienced there was transformative.
I was treated with dignity, respect, and kindness – things I did not expect at my lowest point. Every member of staff showed compassion, professionalism, and belief in me as a person, not a problem.
For the first time in a long time, I felt included.”
Rebuilding through lived experience
“I later joined The Passage’s Lived Experience Assembly (LEA), and that marked the beginning of my rebirth.
I was encouraged to share my story and to use my lived experience of homelessness to advocate for others. Through the LEA, I became a voice for change in the homelessness sector.
My journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary
Through the LEA, I shared my lived experience with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at a roundtable discussion at City Hall. Our recommendations were later included in The Passage’s three-year strategy.”
Becoming a TEDx Speaker and advocate for change
“Through the LEA, I shared my lived experience with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at a roundtable discussion at City Hall. Our recommendations were later included in The Passage’s three-year strategy.
Other opportunities followed:
- I was interviewed by Julie Etchingham, ITV News Anchor, at Lambeth Palace
- I spoke with The Passage’s Royal Patron, HRH Prince William, at a Christmas party
- I spoke at The Passage’s Annual Staff Conference
It was at that conference that a Trustee heard me speak and encouraged me to take on an even bigger challenge – to do a TEDx Talk. I accepted.
Because someone believed in me, I am officially a TEDx speaker!
Some say the rest is history – but I say it’s the beginning of my future.”
Life after homelessness
“Today, I am happy and thriving. I have a roof over my head, I’m back in work, and I continue to use my voice as a TEDx speaker and advocate to challenge stigma around homelessness.
I am forever grateful for the support I received from The Passage, and for the role they played in helping me rebuild my life.”
Written by Latoya Gabbidon, Passage Community and LEA Member