It’s World Homelessness Day and we’re celebrating the work of our foyers. They provide housing, support and training for young people experiencing homelessness.
Connor moved into one of our foyers as a teenager. Just two years on he has proved himself a true professional and an inspiration to others.
After being given the stability he needed, Connor took advantage of our support services, including help with finding work. When he was offered a place on the government Kickstart scheme we were participating in, he grabbed it with both hands.
Offered a six-month placement as a grounds operative, Connor worked hard to learn all he could about the work involved, and when a full-time post came up in our own grounds maintenance team he applied for the role and was offered the job after being interviewed alongside non-mhs applicants.
Connor has since proved himself “a remarkably, dedicated, switched on and hard-working individual” according to mhs’ Estates Delivery Manager Bernard O’Beirne.
“mhs homes gave him stability and support, but it was Connor who made the most of the opportunity that came his way,” he said.
“He used his six months as a Kickstart trainee to get to grips with the job and what it involved. He came to the interview having fully researched the post and has since qualified in a number of areas, including strimming and pesticide training.”
Connor said he is delighted to be giving something back to the community after being given what he described as a “second chance” by mhs homes.
“Being offered a place at the foyer really gave me a foundation to get my life back on track,” he recalled. “To make things worse I had a broken leg at the time, but the staff were wonderful and now it makes me happy to think I'm able to provide a service for other people. It’s not just about earning money, though that’s important, but about doing something worthwhile.”
Connor, who is soon hoping to move from the foyer into an mhs rented property, was mentored by our Support Officer Sandra Douglas, who taught him financial and independent living skills and encouraged him to join the Kickstart scheme.
“I enjoy working for mhs homes because the team are friendly,” said Connor. “I also feel like I am helping to make the community a nicer place for people to live.”