From sleeping in her car to creating a brighter future at college
After spending six months homeless, a safe and stable home has given one woman the fresh start she needed to enrol at college and work towards a brighter future.
Natasha Owen experienced homelessness last year, spending time sofa surfing at friends’ and family members’ homes and, at times, sleeping in her car, before moving into her new social rented flat earlier this year.
Now, with the stability of a place to call home, she is looking to the future and working towards her ambitions with renewed confidence. Since moving in March, Natasha has enjoyed putting her stamp on the property, reflecting her personality through personal touches.
And this week, Natasha, who lives in Shrewsbury, has begun her painting and decorating course at college, a new chapter which she says would not have been possible without the stability of having a place to call her own.
She said: “Having my own home has made such a big difference to me. When I was homeless, it was hard to think about the future because I didn’t know where I was going to be living week to week – everything felt uncertain.
“Now I have my own home, I can concentrate on myself, my goals and what I want to achieve.”
Natasha says that a painting and decorating course appealed to her as she had enjoyed transforming her home from a blank canvas to somewhere that’s hers.
“I’m really enjoying making this place my own – so I hope that I can help others to feel the same way once I start working as a painter and decorator after finishing my course.
“I’m really excited to get started now – and although I don’t tell myself very often, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished since moving in.
“I also want to inspire other young people who are currently – or have been in a similar situation as me, I want them to know that things don’t stay hard forever, things do get better, but you have to reach out for support when you need it.”
Louise Weston, Housing Executive at Housing Plus Group, added: “Natasha’s story is a brilliant example of the difference a secure and comfortable home makes to someone.
“It’s great to hear she’s started her painting and decorating course; we wish her every success as she takes this exciting next step.”
