Case Study: 'What a difference it is with something to do'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."You can't imagine what it's like to get up with something to look forward to . . ."
A broad grin sweeps across Harold Stevenson's face. "My life has really turned around. I've finally got something to look forward to," he said.
The 23-year-old is one of the Gateway Project's success stories. In 1992, he became homeless and went from hostel to hostel. It seemed unlikely he would ever work. "You can't really get a job unless you have a home. Employers just won't look at you."
Six months on from joining the project Mr Stevenson is working full-time as a courier, having found the job himself. "You can't imagine what a difference it makes to get up in the morning with something to do, something to look forward to. And even really simple things like being able to go shopping at weekends and being able to afford to buy stuff," he said.
The Gateway Project, started in 1993, is one of 36 foyer projects around the country. Financed by industry and charity, the south London centre provides accommodation and training for young homeless people aged 18 to 25. It aims to train them for a career while giving them life skills, vocational advice and IT training. Most people stay nine to 18 months.
Out of 116 people that the centre holds, 100 of the last year's intake have jobs now as sales assistants, secretaries, accountants and even a couple of actors. "We help them improve their position in a competitive market force," Debbie Scott, the trust's director, said. "There's a Catch 22 situation: no home no job, no job no home. But we can get them out of that vicious circle."
"The young people grow in stature. They mature. We give them confidence that they've never been given before. If you tell someone they can't do something for long enough they will believe in it. It's often the first time someone's bothered about them. We are about people believing in people. It makes such a difference," she added.
The difference is clear in 22-year-old Shakira Lawal's life. She was in the centre yesterday preparing to look for temporary work as a clerical assistant until September. That is when she will return to college to complete a BTEC in the hope of applying to do sociology and philosophy at university the following year. "It's all about choice," she said.
"I can choose to go to university now. I can have a well-paid job. Not bad for someone who was homeless two years ago."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments