Victoria’s story

Victoria never expected to experience homelessness. After earning a master’s degree in business, building a career and living independently in her own flat, a housing crisis led to her spending almost two years moving between rough sleeping and temporary accommodation.

As woman with autism, she often found homelessness services and shared accommodation difficult to navigate. While sleeping rough, she stayed awake for long periods to protect herself, facing harassment, loneliness and declining mental health.

With support from specialist women’s services and Single Homeless Project’s Housing First team, Victoria was able to move into a home of her own. Today, she’s rebuilding her confidence, improving her mental health and looking forward to a more stable future.

Losing her home

Growing up in South London, Victoria never imagined she would experience homelessness.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in business, build a career and live independently in her own flat. But when problems with noisy neighbours made her home increasingly difficult to live in, her tenancy eventually broke down.

Victoria is autistic and highly sensitive to noise. Looking back, she says the constant disruption had a significant impact on her wellbeing and mental health.

After losing her home, she spent almost two years moving between rough sleeping and temporary accommodation.

For Victoria, homelessness wasn’t a straightforward journey. Hostels that were designed to provide safety and support could also be overwhelming environments. Shared spaces, noise and a lack of privacy often made it difficult for her to settle. Without family support, and struggling with her mental health, she says she felt completely alone.

“I had no family, I had no friends, it was just me alone, unsupported.”

Barriers to getting help

Victoria also found that accessing support difficult.

Many services relied on seeing evidence that she was sleeping rough before they could help. But because she was trying to stay safe or hiding in plain sight in Kings Cross, she rarely slept outdoors.

“I don’t want to sleep as a woman. I can’t just lay down and start sleeping. I need to be aware of my surroundings.”

“There was a process. If they didn’t see you sleeping, they would come and then they would leave.”

“I know that I’m homeless, I know I have nowhere to go. You’re supposed to help me, you’re coming to tell me you can’t verify me because I’m not sleeping.”

Victoria believes that approach fails many women experiencing homelessness.

I feel like you shouldn't have to wait to see someone laying on the floor, sleeping on the floor, especially when, as a woman, they don't want to do that for their own safety.

Find the right support

Things began to change when Victoria was introduced to Women @ The Well, a women-only service supporting women experiencing homelessness.

“It was the only place that I knew that was for women.

“You could go there and have a shower, you could eat, interact, do activities. I feel like there should be more places like that because as a woman, it’s really hard on the streets.”

With support, Victoria was eventually able to move into a hostel and later access Housing First support through Single Homeless Project.

Looking to the future

Today, Victoria lives in her own one-bedroom flat.

Asked what difference that has made, her answer is simple.

“My mental health has improved over the couple of months that I’ve moved house. I just wanted to get to a place where I’m able to work and able to just fend for myself and just be happy in general.”

“Single Homeless Project’s been a big part of my homelessness journey, and I’m just grateful.”

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”