Thousands of people who have fled war, conflict and persecution are facing homelessness this winter.
Back in 2020, Omar was appealing his asylum decision. He found himself without a home in the middle of winter. With our support, he was able to find accommodation and start rebuilding his life.
Omar agreed to tell his story as part of our Winter Appeal. You can read more about his experiences below.
With our expert, personalised support, refugees can begin to rebuild their lives in safety.
This winter, we need your support to help refugees like Omar. Please donate today and change a life for the better.
Omar found himself without a home in the middle of winter.
Can you imagine the despair I felt?
I came to the UK after fleeing Saudi Arabia. First, I was put into accommodation in London. It was crowded and we slept on the floor.
Eventually, the long-awaited day arrived when I was told my asylum application was successful. But then – the very same day – I was called back and told it was a mistake. At that point I was told to leave the accommodation I was in. But I had nowhere to go.
Can you imagine the despair I felt?
It was a nightmare. I thought I wouldn’t survive the night.
I spent the whole night walking around during a bitterly cold London winter. It was a nightmare. I thought I wouldn’t survive the night. Everything was closed, there was nowhere I could call.
I remember thinking, ‘There’s no way I’ll survive this cold’.
I ended up sleeping on a mattress behind a supermarket, which became my bed for the next six weeks.
I tried to find help. It was then I reached Refugee Council.
Omar received help from the Refugee Council which changed his life
It felt like a new beginning.
Kellie called back. I remember the first call. She gave me a food voucher straight away and said “nobody should be hungry.”
I’ve had support from the Refugee Council in so many ways. It felt like a new beginning. They helped me find housing, employment, medical care and counselling. Everything I needed to start rebuilding my life in safety.
I’m trying to help others, that’s what’s making me speak out.
My life has transformed since that day. But we’re still facing a refugee homelessness crisis – and it’s only getting worse.
In the past year, the number of refugees seeking homelessness support has risen 255%. I’m trying to help others, that’s what’s making me speak out.
But by donating today, you can show your support for people seeking safety. You can help refugees rebuild their lives and enrich our communities.
Unfortunately, Omar is not alone in experiencing homelessness. This winter, many refugees will be without somewhere to live. Please donate to support our work. You can help refugees find a home and rebuild their lives today.
To respect and protect Omar’s privacy, a model has been used in these photographs.■
