Case Studies
Testimony of Jasem Alrudayni
My name is Jasem Alrudayni. I am a refugee from Syria, and I was referred to Just Homes by Crisis. I have lived at Just Homes for over a year and six months, and during this time, my life has changed dramatically for the better.
Before coming here, life was very difficult for me. I was homeless for several months and had no stable place to stay. When I first arrived at Just Homes, I barely knew any English, which made everything feel overwhelming and challenging.
Living at Just Homes has been an incredible experience. The staff have always been welcoming, supportive, and ready to help. They guided me through settling in, learning English, and understanding how to live independently. I met many new friends, enjoyed social events and parties organised by Just Homes, and felt part of a caring community. The support I received here helped me gain confidence, improve my language skills, and plan for my future.
During my time here, I have grown a lot. I found a part-time job at a warehouse in Manchester, which has given me work experience and financial independence. I am also planning to pursue a course to further my education and build a better future. The guidance and encouragement I received from the staff have been invaluable in helping me reach these milestones.
If you don’t have a place to live or are struggling, I strongly encourage you to reach out to the people at Just Homes. They are kind, supportive, and dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives. With their help, your life can become better than you ever imagined.
Ibrahim Rwaish's story
'I had the opportunity to stay with Just Homes Charity for five months, and I am truly thankful for the care and guidance I received during that time. The accommodation they provided was more than just a place to stay—it was a safe, welcoming space where I could focus on getting back on my feet.
The staff at Just Homes Charity are exceptional. They are kind, committed, and always ready to offer support whenever it’s needed. Their help goes far beyond providing shelter. They offer important services like job readiness support, assistance with registering at the GP—which was especially helpful for me as English is not my first language—and advice on how to settle into the local community. These services made a huge difference in helping me adjust and move forward.
With their constant encouragement and support, I was eventually able to find a place of my own and secure a job to support myself. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the skills and confidence I gained through their help.
One of the things that stood out to me most was the sense of belonging I felt at Just Homes. I formed meaningful friendships with both the residents and the team, and these connections gave me the strength and motivation to keep going during challenging times.
Overall, my experience with Just Homes Charity has completely changed my life for the better. Their thoughtful and all-around support gave me the stability I needed to start over, find my own home, and begin planning for a brighter future. I am deeply grateful for their help and would recommend Just Homes Charity to anyone who is homeless and needs a safe place to regain stability and take steps toward a new life—or to anyone looking to support an organisation that is genuinely changing lives'
Ali Pur's experience at Just Home's
I moved into Just Homes Charity on 20th February 2024 and stayed for 1 year and 5 months. During that time, I received more than just accommodation—I found real support, stability, and people who cared about my future. As someone adjusting to life in a new country, with limited English, having this kind of help made a big difference.
The staff were always there to assist me. They helped me register with a GP, supported me with appointments, and were patient when explaining things that were difficult for me to understand. They didn’t just give me a place to stay—they helped me figure things out when life felt confusing.
While I was staying at Just Homes, I also learned valuable independent living skills. Being part of the cleaning rota taught me how to manage shared responsibilities, take care of my space, and stay organised. These are things I will carry with me as I move on to live independently.
During my stay, I had to travel to Iraq for a short vacation, but due to the war, I was delayed returning. It was a stressful situation, but Just Homes stayed in touch with me the whole time. They helped me sort out my housing benefit and Universal Credit while I was abroad, which meant I didn’t lose my support. I really appreciated how they stayed on the phone with me, calmly guiding me through everything.
With their encouragement, I was able to find a job as a barber, which I’m really proud of. I’ve now moved on to live with friends and start the next chapter of my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the stability and support I received from Just Homes.
The team made me feel part of a community. I always felt respected, understood, and encouraged. I am very grateful for everything they’ve done for me, and I would recommend Just Homes Charity to anyone who needs support, direction, and a safe space to get back on their feet.
A letter from our ex-resident Changaiz
Dear Just Home Charity Team,
I had the pleasure of staying with Just Home Charity for 15 months, and I am incredibly grateful for the support and care they provided during that time. The housing they offered was safe, clean, and comfortable, creating a stable environment where I could focus on rebuilding my life.
The team at Just Home Charity is outstanding. They are compassionate, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to assist residents. Their holistic approach to support includes not only providing shelter but also offering vital services like job training, financial literacy workshops, and mental health support. These resources were instrumental in helping me regain my confidence and independence.
After my initial 15-month stay, I left for a month and a half. During this period, I realized how much I valued the stability and support I had received from Just Home Charity. When I reached out to them again, they welcomed me back without hesitation and quickly found me another place to stay. This response highlighted their unwavering commitment to helping those in need and their efficient, compassionate service.
Thanks to the support from Just Home Charity, I was able to find my own place eventually. Their continuous encouragement and the skills I acquired through their programs played a significant role in this achievement.
The sense of community at Just Home Charity is also remarkable. I built meaningful relationships with other residents and staff members, which provided a strong network of support and encouragement throughout my journey.
In addition, Just Home Charity's transparency and accountability are commendable. They keep both residents and supporters informed about their activities and how donations are being utilized, ensuring that every contribution has a meaningful impact.
In conclusion, my experience with Just Home Charity has been life-changing. Their comprehensive and compassionate approach provided me with the stability and support I needed to rebuild my life and ultimately find my own place. I am deeply grateful for their assistance and highly recommend Just Home Charity to anyone in need or looking to support a truly impactful organisation.
Kind regards
Changaiz
Tomasz Salata's Story
Hi, my name is Tomasz, and I would like to tell you about the organisation, Just Homes Charity, which gives an opportunity and chance, to change lives for the better. When I first came here, the management and staff, each one of them, were so kind, nice and helpful. They explained all the information in a clear and professional way. Whenever I have a problem or face any issues that I can’t handle, I always know that I can count on them for a helping hand.
I can say that they give their all, they take care of cleanliness, safety and making us feel comfortable. Watching how hard they work to make us feel comfortable motivates me to change my life for the better. This is the way to be supported and helped to put people back up on their feet. This makes me more strong and more motivated to change for good. The way the staff manages and runs this organisation is full of professionalism. We never lack anything, and everything is always in place. I think that with their help, I am quickly changing my life for the better, by taking an example from them.
Morium’s story
Morium, a 37-year-old immigrant from Nigeria, found solace and safety at Just Homes after enduring domestic violence from her partner. Arriving in the UK in 2020, Morium faced significant hardships that led her to seek refuge. When she arrived at Just Homes, she was met with warmth, compassion, and unwavering support.
"I felt like I was in the right place from the very first day I stepped into Just Homes," she shared.
Morium describes the environment at Just Homes as clean, warm, and welcoming. She had been forced to flee without any belongings, but the staff at Just Homes provided essential items for her and her child, easing this difficult transition for her.
Her son, too, found comfort and joy during their stay, which brought immense relief to Morium. Reflecting on her experience, she speaks highly of the staff, praising them as some of the kindest and most caring people she has ever encountered.
For Morium, the continuous support and sense of belonging that Just Homes provided were invaluable. Morium is now staying in a temporary accommodation in Newham.
“The staff at Just Homes are always ready to support anyone who needs their help, and for that, I will always be grateful."
Floyd ‘s story
Floyd Daniels, 57, was looking for a place to stay after separating from his partner. This adversity and instability led him to explain his difficult situation with his teacher at Community Links, who then came to his rescue by referring him to Just Homes Charity.
With the support and refuge provided by Just Homes Charity, Floyd found the stability needed to get his life back together after a difficult separation from his partner. He resided at the Norwich Road property for approximately one and a half years where he experienced a supportive environment. He fondly recalls the time when one of the staff members helped him with his appeal for driving license, for which he remains ever grateful. During his stay, he also began volunteering at the Just Homes café. Just Homes staff supported him with his move on where he is currently residing in a shared private rented accommodation with three other residents.
“The staff understood me and always catered to my needs”, recalls Floyd.
Even after moving on from Just Homes, Floyd maintains a strong connection, frequently attending our Christmas and Summer parties. Floyd continues to volunteer for the café. He fondly reminisces all the good times he had with us and thanked Just Homes for all the help.
“I have recommended Just Homes to two people and will recommend it to anyone who is in need for it in the future”, says Floyd.
Casandra's Story
How I became homeless
I got pregnant, and when I told my son’s Dad, thinking that he will be happy, it was the other way around! He told me that if am thinking about keeping the baby than I would have to leave his house. At the time I did not have anywhere to go and no one to help me out, so that is how I became homeless.
Since moving into Just Homes house
At first it was very hard when my Social Worker told me that I was going to a shared house. I was not happy at all. I cried! But once I came and settled down things got better. You can then learn a lot. For me I had to learn how to deal with my attitude towards people, and also respect. Also the support I got as a single mum was getting me ready for the next step, which is moving on from Just Homes. Also knowing that our situations are not permanent.
Your move on support received from Just Homes
Just Homes helped in the moving on by helping with applying for benefits, discussing the housing situation, and getting us ready for the big step which is moving out.
Stefany's Story
Unfortunately, in life we get tested in many ways, the last thing I expected to happen to me was to become homeless, but it happened, and it was at my most vulnerable.
I am a victim of domestic violence and I ran away when I was heavily pregnant. My midwife was already aware that my ex-partner had abusive traits, she was specifically chosen to assist me, one day she found a way to speak to me and told me that she would have helped me if I wanted and that is how I got the courage to leave. I did not know what would have happened after and I was not aware on any type of support, I just knew that God would have find a way for me.
As a new mum, living in Just Homes, it helped me in many ways. It gave me direction on what to do and where to go for support after my delivery. I’m very young and I don’t have family here. Just Homes has provided emotional support by directing me in the right places and by just being there whenever I needed.
As a single parent it is vital to have some sort of support and I realise now how IMPORTANT is to have charities like Just Homes. It makes a huge difference in people’s lives, it really does. The support I received has been incredible, it has made a positive change in my circumstances and it has helped me from being homeless to slowly building up my life back again.
Just Homes is well connected and well organised.
I feel more confident because of Just Homes. I feel like I can go forward and build my life back again. My knowledge on basic information (whether its health/cleaning/interaction with different cultures/external support) has increased because of Just Homes. I am grateful because I felt supported at my most vulnerable, knowing that there is help out there is absolutely life changing, mostly when the workers are good and take their jobs seriously.
I cannot thank you enough, thank you for everything!
Chinwe’s Story
I came to UK from Nigeria in 2014 . I was in a relationship which was abusive, and I was forced to either stay in the abusive situation or move to a hostel for homeless women. I was referred to the mission hostel through an advocate in a charity organisation who referred me. So I went to live there but had a difficult time emotionally and with my physical health while pregnant. My GP referred me to Social Services who then referred me to Just Homes women’s accommodation.
Just Homes has helped me to cope as a single mother, it was also the first time living in a shared house with other single mothers. When I first came, I wanted to run away! But Just Homes support has helped me to be able to function as a single mother and prepare me for the future, to face life and to know how to manage my finances. I have had to learn to cook more for myself and my child, rather than just buying takeaway food. The kitchen here is amazing – the space, and the facilities. Also how Just Homes staff received me, making me feel welcome. I have received emotional support, have learned about how to develop skills, and have helpful information given to me. The House Meetings have been helpful for meeting together with others from different backgrounds to learn about them, discussing repairs, cleaning and any concerns, and advice on moving forward from here, e.g benefits information. Just Homes is a home away from home!
Abiola’s Story
I came from Nigeria and due to some things which happened in my life I ended up staying in the UK. Due to family circumstances back home I felt could not go back. I was just staying with friends with no fixed address, so was homeless. I had a relationship and became pregnant and could not continue to stay with the friend where I was. Through the help of Hackney Migrant Service, I was referred to Social Services who assessed my situation and referred me to Just Homes women’s accommodation. My baby was 5 months old when we came to Just Homes to live.
Being at Just Homes really helped me with having a place to stay until I could sort out my immigration status. My Support Worker was really helpful. It has been helpful to know what to do and where to go for assistance as a single parent. Thank you to Just Homes for accommodating me.
Terry's Story
I became homeless due to a breakdown in relations with my family, I ended up in a night shelter. This meant I had to move from shelter to shelter every day. I lost my job as I not have the stability to hold down my job and somewhere more permanent to live. I was referred to Just Homes form one of the night shelters. They could not only provide me with stable accommodation but also support to help me move on with my life and look for a new job.
Since moving in I have it became clear that I had mental health problems. The staff at Just Homes supported me to get specialist health that resulted in a proper mental health diagnosis. Just Homes has continued to support me to receive help from a network of organisations. As a result of the support I am receiving from the hostel and my mental worker I am now ready to move on to more suitable and permanent accommodation.
Shaun's Story
I became homeless after the breakdown of a 10 year relationship. My life simply unravelled and snowballed from bad to worse. The end of my relationship resulted losing my home and after out staying my welcome with family and friends I lost my way. I became depressed, lost my job and ended up sleeping rough in Central London.
This was the worse period of my life. I felt so dejected and would often contemplate suicide. I began to lose my faith and for two years had no contact with anyone other than other rough sleepers. I felt so low that I couldn’t/ wouldn’t engage with support services in any meaningful way. I used the ‘soup runs’ and relied on the kindness of strangers for all of my basic needs.
I started using a Christian based Day Centre and questions that I’d managed to block out for so long started to surface and I made a conscious decision to get my life back on track. I stared volunteering at the Day Centre because I felt so indebted and they made the referral to Just Homes. Moving into a hostel after two years rough sleeping provided me with stability and security that I had not had for such a long while that at times it felt overwhelming.
A short while after moving in I became the Responsible Tenant and was able to start working again. First for a month and then a 6 month contract. My journey continues and I’m finding my way back.
Tanya's Story
I came from Ghana as a child of 12. My mother, who had remarried had other children. She sent me to an “aunt” in the UK and promised to join me, but she never came. I had to share a room with my cousins. I was beaten and made to do house work. I managed to attend school and had started college. After a brief affair when I was 17 I discovered I was pregnant. My aunt was scandalised and after a fight I fled the house taking refuge with a series of friends.
When started to attend an ante natal clinic a social worker discovered that I had no legal status here. I had never questioned my right to be here and did not even understand what a visa was. I was now homeless, deserted by the father of my child, and without any right to help from the state, I could not even continue with my education. Through the intervention of my hospital social worker I was referred Just Homes. My daughter was born soon after my 18th birthday.
I struggled for a long time with anger and feelings of rejection. I attend ‘We Are Family’, which is a support group for vulnerable women. Recently I have started counselling through Alternatives which has helped me with my mixed emotions and has given me the ability to make better choices and seek reconciliation in broken relationships. I have been with Just Homes for nearly 4 years. My application to UKBA was initially refused but with support from the Just Homes project, I have won my appeal and I have been granted leave to remain. I finally have a flat of my own.
Mohra's Story
I came from Pakistan for an arranged marriage and came with my husband ( a GP) to UK, who had Irish citizenship. I suffered constant domestic violence, rape and mental abuse and fled in fear when I was 6 months pregnant. I was helped by friends of the family but they could not keep me once the baby arrived. A contact of Just. I was very traumatised and I still live in fear of my husband.
Just Homes found out about my situation through a friend and helped me to move there. Because I had not been in the country long enough, before I fled my husband, I did not qualify to remain as a spouse. My husband has now returned to Ireland. With the support of Just Homes I made many attempts to obtain Irish citizenship for my son. However my husband was totally uncooperative and as I did not have the correct documents it was difficult to prove my son’s status.
Because of this I couldn’t get my own status. My family in Pakistan refuse to have me back or even communicate with me because of the shame they feel I have caused in leaving my husband, they are nor concerned about the circumstances that has led me to leave my husband. I am terrified that if I should return to Pakistan my child and I will be killed.
During my time with Just Homes I have gained confidence as an individual and as a parent. I attend a parenting support group and I also attend classes making cards which I sell. My application for indefinite leave to remain has finally been successful and I have finally moved into a flat of my own.
Resident from NR (02/10/2025)
I came to Just Homes when I was in need of accommodation. The staff welcomed me warmly and have been very supportive of my well-being. Periodically, my support worker checks in with me to discuss my progress; I always look forward to these conversations because they focus entirely on my personal development and provide me with hope.
The accommodation is clean, and the environment feels very homely. The management at Just Homes ensures that residents are treated with empathy, listens to our concerns, and takes appropriate actions.
Just Homes has created a true sense of 'home' for me; it does not feel like a hostel. I have spent two Xmas here, and I must say it has been a wonderful experience. Thank you for your continuous effort and professionalism.