Sarah lived in a rented flat with her beloved dog, Buster. Balancing two jobs with long shift patterns, she worked tirelessly to make ends meet, battling the rising cost of living, and with no savings to her name. Despite these struggles, Sarah could always find solace in the comfort of the flat she shared with Buster.
Sarah’s world was turned upside down when her landlord, with little notice, imposed a significant rent increase. Unable to afford this, she was left with no choice but to give up her home.
Her hopes of finding another rental property quickly faded, with fierce demand for places, few that fit her budget and even fewer that allowed pets. Out of options, Sarah relied on friends who could spare a sofa or floor for her and Buster to sleep on for a few days, or if they were lucky, a couple of weeks.
The only family member Sarah could potentially turn to was her mother, but that relationship broke down when she was 18 after being forced out of the family home due to her mother’s debt issues.
Sarah was ashamed to consider an offer to stay around an ex-partner’s place, where the relationship ended due to his abusive behaviour. However, she could not face the pressure of ‘having to’ share a bed with him and the uncomfortable implications that involved.
Christmas approached and Sarah’s friends could no longer accommodate her. With little choice, she resorted to sleeping in her car. The harsh winter nights were dangerously cold, with only Buster’s presence keeping her somewhat warm.
Sarah would often get into work very early, where she could have a shower and make herself presentable. To her friends and colleagues, she looked fine. However, mentally and physically, she was at rock bottom, struggling with severe anxiety and exhaustion.
A passer-by noticed Sarah sleeping in her car and alerted the DENS Outreach service. When the team approached her, Sarah hesitated. She didn’t see herself as homeless and was too proud to ask for help. However, when the reality of her dire situation set in, she agreed to be temporarily housed at The Elms hostel – primarily because they could accommodate Buster, who she would never consider giving up.
At the dog-friendly hostel, Sarah and Buster were given a clean, private room, spacious enough for them both. Buster received a welcome pack with bedding, toys and treats, as well as access to complimentary vet care.
Sarah was offered free, on-site therapy support with a qualified counsellor. This made a big difference in helping her process the trauma she had experienced throughout her life and take steps towards repairing the fractured relationship with her mother.
With the expert guidance of her Key Worker, Sarah and Buster were placed in a private council property with affordable rent. Empowered both financially and emotionally, thanks to the ongoing support of DENS, Sarah could settle comfortably in her new home. She felt like her life was finally back on track.
Please note: Sarah’s name, image and details of her story have been changed to protect her anonymity.
Story published 17th February 2025.