Alexandra* became homeless when she left an abusive relationship. She packed two bags, gathered her three young children, and fled with just £15 to her name.
Making the decision to leave was not easy. Alexandra delayed fleeing for a long time, not because she wanted to stay, but because she feared there would be nowhere for her and her children to go. Her youngest child was still a baby. Keeping her children safe was her highest priority, and the uncertainty of homelessness felt terrifying.
When Alexandra finally left, she and her children had no secure place to stay. Overnight, they found themselves without a home and without the money needed to secure one. The cost required to make a safe home possible was less than £500, but it was completely out of reach for her.
“The children haven’t had the best start in life, and the grant really does help them a lot more than people realise.”
With the help of a close friend, Alexandra approached a local women’s refuge, who were quick to step in. They provided a temporary home in a refuge – a safe place from which Alexandra and her children could rebuild their lives. When she was ready, her frontline worker applied to St Martin’s Charity for an emergency grant to help cover the cost of securing a safe place to live. The grant was awarded quickly, and Alexandra was able to secure a home where she and her children could finally feel safe, free from fear and instability.
“It’s amazing because I’m happy, the happiest I’ve been well, since I can remember”
Now, Alexandra and her children are settled and beginning to rebuild their lives. For the first time in a long while, she is able to look to the future with hope.
“The grant helps pretty much every client that I support. Without the grant, it would be close to impossible to help families move on from refuge. Everyone that’s had to flee domestic abuse, often leaves most of their belongings behind and have to start again.”
Alexandra’s support worker
*Alexandra’s name has been changed to protect her identity, but her story is real
