More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A homeless charity is providing a safe place for rough sleepers to get the support needed to get them back on their feet.
Pathways to Independence in Chatham houses nine people in need of help after finding themselves without a place to live.
The accommodation at Mount View Court is a place for people to work through the issues that made them homeless in the first place, with the eventual goal of finding their own home and secure employment.
The charity can provide a place to live for up to two years.
Ben Rist, 26, was 18 years old when he found himself sleeping on the streets of Medway.
He became homeless after getting into money troubles, resulting in him losing his home.
He said: "It's a tough ride on the streets, and you don't understand that unless you've been there."
Ben spent two months sleeping rough until he was helped initially by The Prince's Trust.
Whilst he lives at Mount View Court, Ben is hoping to be involved more in local politics and currently spends his time as a support worker to help improve mental health provision.
He said: "It's really great to be helping people on a first hand basis."
Derek Pope, 56, also lives in supported housing at Mount View Court, and has been homeless for around 7 years.
He is one of the thousands of people around the country who are considered 'hidden homeless', meaning people who live day to day by sofa surfing or living in insecure accommodation.
He said: "I know a lot of people who do that sort of thing, one sofa to another, one service to another. It's like pass the parcel."
Mr Pope said he has found his experience of homelessness frustrating, but the thought of his 14 year old daughter keeps him working to improve his situation.
"She keeps me going anyway, she's my pride and joy," he added.
Donna Payne works as a support coach for Pathways to Independence.
As part of her role, she makes sure each person at the property is getting the individual support they need to improve their lives.
City goes purple for World Homeless Day
She said: "We look at what their strengths are, and try and enhance their quality of life and work with them.
"Eventually when they leave pathways, hopefully they've got the skills to be able to live independently, so that there's no reason for them to return."
Statistics released today by Kent Homeless Connect reveal more than 400 people have slept on Kent's streets in the past six months.
Homeless charity Porchlight has been raising awareness of the issue by encouraging businesses in the city to decorate their shops in the colour purple.
