Olly’s Story.
In July 2019, I was referred to Embassy, which then supported homeless men through using a former luxury tour bus converted into a homeless shelter. I had been homeless for seven months and was exhausted and increasingly desperate for help.
Due to acquiring such little sleep on the streets of Manchester, I was struggling to think clearly and if I hadn't been referred to Embassy at that point, I believe I would have made poor choices, perhaps including taking drugs for the first time, which undoubtedly would've made my situation more difficult.
Having worked in the charity sector for most of the last decade, I'd long been aware of the outstanding work undertaken by thousands of charities each day, but throughout my two months residing with Embassy, I met some of the kindest and most inspiring people I've ever come across. At all times I was looked after well and felt safe and treated with respect and dignity; I certainly wasn't made to feel like a homeless person with little going for me.
Embassy used the slogan 'restoration starting with rest' and it's true to say that I genuinely was restored throughout my time with them, mentally and physically. On the bus, I resided with 11 other homeless men from various nations and walks of life and each one of them also had great respect for the small team of staff and kindness of the volunteers on duty each night. I never heard a single negative comment; only gratitude and sometimes surprise at being treated so well. We were even treated to an enjoyable day at the beach; this isn't the kind of thing you expect when homeless.
I moved on to acquire permanent housing in September 2019. I haven't ever lived on my own before and due to having a disability which in various ways affects my organisational and fine and gross motor skills, I was nervous about how I'd manage. The support I received from Embassy staff didn't cease though. I received regular visits from Embassy's resettlement worker who helped me in various ways. Nearly four years later and I remain happily housed. My tenancy has been a great success and I am immensely grateful for the support I received from Embassy. Its handful of staff work tirelessly to ensure that beneficiaries are able not only to acquire work and move on to more permanent housing, but crucially manage to retain it and live happily and successfully. I am one of many examples of this and in the last six months I have founded a business. I already employ staff and moving forward, where appropriate I aspire to provide employment opportunities for people affected by homelessness, and undertake activities around equality, diversity, and inclusion. As an individual, I have already supported Embassy as a regular donor and professionally, when possible and I am keen to provide financial support as a corporate donor.
Not only will Embassy Village be a fantastic opportunity to meet the need to create a shorter route out of homelessness and enter people into employment with corporate partners, both emotional and practical support will be provided too, including counselling, cooking, and budgeting. The concept of acquiring and managing a home can be daunting, especially after traumatic experiences, and Embassy Village will provide the opportunity to practice managing a home in a supported environment and then, importantly, when beneficiaries move on, they will receive visits from Embassy's resettlement workers, thus enhancing chances of successfully sustaining tenancies and not becoming homeless again.
Embassy has made a huge difference to many people, and the Embassy Village will enable the charity to achieve even more great things and on a considerably larger scale. Embassy co-founder and director, Sid Williams, is one of the most impressive people I know, and under his leadership, supported by his excellent small team of staff, I have no doubt that the aims of the Embassy Village will be met. The plans have my full support and I urge you to back them; thus, ensuring they can be put into action.