Success Stories

Yesterday, I wrecked my life. Today, I have the chance to start over.

Originally from Weymouth, Jamie has lived at St Paul’s for eight years. His dog, Bailey, was just a puppy when they arrived and is the first dog ever allowed to live at the hostel. Bailey changed everything for Jamie who says he stopped using drugs because he made a promise to take care of his dog and St Paul’s helped
him keep that promise. Jamie’s journey hasn’t been easy. With no friends or family left, he found himself at rock bottom. But with support, he’s now taking life day by day. Jamie is proud of his dog, proud of the garden and, most importantly, proud of himself.

Yesterday, I was vulnerable. Today, I’m capable.

Born and raised in Worcester, Shane found himself in a vulnerable place. He was underweight, struggling with addiction, and had experienced a severe psychotic episode. With the right support,

he’s now receiving stable medication and has made the decision to give up drugs — choosing to spend his money on the essentials that help keep him well. Today, Shane eats three meals a day, does regular circuit training, and is focused on rebuilding his life. He’s living with purpose and seeing his teenage sons every other weekend. His goal is to be back in steady employment within six months — ideally in a hands-on labouring job.

Yesterday, I was trying to survive. Today, I feel alive.

Steve has only been at St Paul’s since April but it has become his sanctuary. Referred here after sleeping rough, he finally has a steady roof over his head. “Felicity and Erica would do anything for me,” he says about the care and encouragement he receives here.

A former Army man who has served in the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Belfast and Londonderry, Steve is no stranger to hardship, yet he takes each day as it comes and cherishes waking up safe. Steve’s experience shows how our hostel offers more than just shelter. St Paul’s has helped transform Steve’s desperation into security and given Steve the chance to rebuild.

Yesterday, I got hit by a drunk driver. Today, I’m on the road to recovery.

Robert was born and bred in Worcester, but life took a difficult turn after he was hit by a drunk driver.

Once a digger driver with his own flat, Robert lost everything in the aftermath. Referred to St Paul’s, he’s been here for the past 18 months. While he isn’t one to talk about future plans or proud achievements, Robert is clear about one thing: being a resident at St Paul’s is far better than life on the streets. He appreciates the stability, the warmth, and the company. Sometimes, having a safe place to belong is the first step on a journey to a better life.

Yesterday, I had no home and no job. Today, I have hopes and dreams.

Sam has a thing for buses. In fact, during a particularly harsh winter when he had nowhere else to go, he rode them all day just to stay warm. After a brief stay at the YMCA, he found stability at St Paul’s and he’s been part of the community ever since.

Now working in the kitchen at our hostel, Sam lives with purpose. He’s currently on the Housing for You list, hoping to move into a home nearby while continuing his work. His next ambition is to become a bus driver. Turning something that once offered him refuge into a career.

Yesterday, I wrecked my life. Today, I have the chance to start over.

Originally from Weymouth, Jamie has lived at St Paul’s for eight years. His dog, Bailey, was just a puppy when they arrived and is the first dog ever allowed to live at the hostel.

Bailey changed everything for Jamie who says he stopped using drugs because he made a promise to take care of his dog and St Paul’s helped him keep that promise. Jamie’s journey hasn’t been easy. With no friends or family left, he found himself at rock bottom. But with support, he’s now taking life day by day. Jamie is proud of his dog, proud of the garden and, most importantly, proud of himself.

Yesterday, I was living in grief. Today, I’m living in hope.

After his parents passed away, Alan lost more than his family. He also lost his home.
Despite living with them for years, he was told he couldn’t stay. With nowhere else to go and no offer of housing from the council, he turned to St Paul’s.

Since arriving here, Alan’s been looking for stability. He’s now hoping to move somewhere quieter, where he can enjoy peaceful surroundings.

Yesterday, I was losing my mind. Today, I’ve found peace.

For years, Tim was a carer for his mum. With no breaks or support, the strain left him anxious, isolated,
and feeling mentally unwell. Fearing that he might do something he’d regret, he walked away with nothing and nowhere to go.

St Paul’s gave him a roof and a reason to keep going. After living at the hostel, he moved into resettlement housing and slowly began to rebuild. Now 70, Tim meets weekly with the wellbeing officer for a coffee — a simple ritual that’s become a lifeline.

He describes the community as “like a family,” and says he’s proud to have survived with the help he’s received.

Yesterday, I couldn’t see a way forward. Today, I’m looking forward to life.

Steve had a stable life and a steady job as a baker until redundancy changed everything. He wasted his savings and found himself homeless. But Steve didn’t wait for help to come to him, he made the move to St Paul’s himself.

That was three years ago and he describes St Paul’s as a stopgap while he hopes to eventually move to warden-supported housing. Steve’s now looking forward to building a quieter, more secure life outside of the hostel. And with the right support, that next chapter is within reach.

Yesterday, life went downhill. Today, things are looking up.

When life took a turn for the worse, Kenny found refuge at St Paul’s and she’s been here for two years. She loves the privacy and safety of her own room and the sense of escape. Working in the kitchen each morning has given her routine, purpose, and pride, helping her to rebuild her confidence. Kenny has family living locally and is surrounded by support. Now she’s eager for her next chapter: her own flat and a part-time kitchen role.

St Paul’s gave Kenny the stability she needed and she’s now looking forward to creating her own path and leaving her past struggles behind.

Yesterday, I was on the street. Today, I have somewhere to get my head down.

When Paul first became homeless, St Paul’s was the only place that opened its doors to him.

Originally from Malvern, he found more than just shelter at St Paul’s. He found a space where he could rest up,
eat regular meals, and start to feel human again. He’s not sure what the future holds, but for now, he’s
getting the help he needs.

Yesterday, my life fell apart. Today, I feel part of something.

Shaun has been in and out of St Paul’s since he was a teenager. Now 47, this is his fourth time here.

He was happily married for 15 years, but when his relationship fell apart, so did everything else. What brings him back isn’t just the roof over his head— it’s the sense of community.

“It’s like a family,” he says. “We’re all in it together.” At St Paul’s, he sleeps better. He feels much healthier.
And he can imagine a future again — one where he has a full-time job.

Yesterday, I felt unsafe. Today, I live without fear.

To Birdy, St Paul’s isn’t just a hostel. It’s home. It’s where he feels secure. “They feed me. I feel safe here,” he says simply. He’s unsure what the future holds, but for now, he has stability and that means everything to him.
For people like Birdy, St Paul’s offers more than just shelter. It offers dignity and the hope that tomorrow might bring something better.

Yesterday, I was sleeping in a tent. Today, I’m living in a flat.

After a fallout where he was living, Bogey found a lifeline at St Paul’s. Within 30 minutes of arriving, he secured a kitchen job, and over the next five years he built a life he once thought was impossible.
“St Paul’s means everything to me,” he says. “I’d have nothing without this place. Some people don’t realise how lucky they are.” Beyond shelter, St Paul’s restored Bogey’s sense of purpose. Once an absent father, he now plays an active role in his granddaughter’s life.

His story shows how support and stability helps people find peace, rebuild relationships, and transform their lives.

Yesterday, I lost my life savings. Today, my life has been saved.

Kev’s long-term relationship ended and within months he was made redundant. Struggling with drink and drugs, he found himself living in a tent by the cricket ground. After being referred to St Paul’s, Kev entered rehab where he has started to rebuild. He’s kept up with probation, stayed sober, and takes pride in his three children, whom he now sees regularly.

Today, Kev has a safe bed, a steady routine, and the support to move forward. He’s a trained ground worker, keen to return to work, and craves the stability that would come with housing.