Change of face for homeless (From Times Series)

Change of face for homeless

3:16pm Friday 4th April 2008

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There is rarely a simple reason why someone finds themself living rough. A lost job or lost love, a bad influence or bounced cheque - the most minor incident can escalate into a crisis that seems to have no solution.

But, as 30-year-old Ricardo Correia found, there are ways to get back on track. Mr Correia is one of thousands to find support through Homeless Action in Barnet (HAB), an advocacy charity which helps vulnerable people gain access to housing, health and other services.

In the past year, the North Finchley centre has catered for 546 people. Of those visitors, an estimated 56 per cent were sleeping rough, four per cent were sofa-surfing' at friends' houses, eight per cent were living in temporary accommodation, and 32 per cent owned their house, but were experiencing financial difficulties.

Mr Correia was staying with a friend when he first encountered the centre. He had been arrested for possession of heroin and was on a drugs rehabilitation programme as part of his probation order. He was referred to HAB for accommodation.

He said: "They quickly found me a place to stay, in a hostel in Friern Barnet Road, and gave me all the help I needed - someone to talk to, a meal, or to do some washing - they were always there for me."

Part-funded by Barnet Council and through donations, HAB was founded in 1997 and aims not only to help people find and keep a permanent home, but also to gain confidence and independence through improving physical and mental well-being.

As well as providing food and cleaning facilities, the centre has a resident doctor, dentist and chiropodist, and offers advice on issues of concern to its clients, like housing, education and health.

Tenancy support manager Alex Palmer, 30, has worked at HAB for six years. He recently set up a Facebook group to publicise its services and improve public awareness of homelessness. To date, 22 people have joined the group, and Mr Palmer hopes it will encourage others to get involved.

He said: "We are trying to create more public support for the organisation and get rid of the stigma surrounding this issue. We want the public to have a more positive opinion of these people.

"Those on the streets and living in hostels are just like you and me, but have simply encountered a breakdown of circumstances. All they need is help and guidance."

Mr Correia's heroin dependency began many years ago in his native Portugal. In 2003 he moved to England, where he managed to get clean and establish a career as a chef. For two years he worked at The Gate restaurant, in Barnet, while living with his girlfriend in a rented flat in Islington.

"Life was very good", he said. "I loved my job and my girlfriend and I was very happy."

But everything started to fall apart when he changed jobs to a pub in Liverpool Street. The workload became too much and he felt he had no choice but to resign.

He said: "There was too much stress and pressure. I was a kitchen porter, a sandwich maker and a chef, and they wanted me to do all three for just £5 an hour. That was not for me. I would rather not work than work as a slave."

While unemployed, Mr Correia's girlfriend moved back to Portugal and he was evicted from his home, which went up for sale. He soon slipped back into drug use again.

"I was squatting with friends. It was not a good situation, everything was a mess."

It was "a huge relief", Mr Correia said, to get caught with drugs and be referred to the rehabilitation programme. Now his life has changed almost beyond recognition. Living in a rented flat in West Hendon, he is clean again and due to begin a painting and decorating course at Southgate College in April.

He added: "Without HAB, I know I would still be squatting or on drugs. It's a very good service, and everywhere in London should have something like it."

HAB is based at 36B Woodhouse Road, North Finchley. For more information, visit the link below or call 020 8446 8400.

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