My story - John

John has lived in St Albans his whole life and has been homeless for the last 14 years. When John arrived at Open Door he was in very bad way, abusing drugs and alcohol and hardly eating at all.

Since arriving at Open Door, John’s condition and quality of life have improved significantly. The staff have supported him to take the medication he needs, when he needs it, and very importantly for John he has reduced his dependency on alcohol, cigarettes and drugs. They have also helped him to arrange meetings at the council to get a more permanent a home and to claim housing benefit. The healthy meals served at Open Door are helping John to eat more regularly. 

John said “I can’t praise the staff here enough, the rooms are comfortable and I have been able to make new friends here too. With the support of the staff, I am now trying to get clean.”

This is John’s first Christmas in 12 years that he won’t be sleeping rough on the streets.