“I know the anxiety of not knowing where to go – don’t turn homeless young people away when we are asking for help” Sign Eliza’s open letter to the UK Government

A young woman in a winter coat standing in front of a brick wall

Eliza dreamed of a home without conflict and one that she knew wouldn’t be taken away from her. However, after experiencing family breakdown, Eliza found herself with nowhere to go and reached out to Centrepoint for support.

Every young person should have a safe place to call home. That’s why we need the UK Government to take urgent action so no more young people face what Eliza experienced.

This World Homeless Day, we’re looking for 3,000 people to raise their voices today - will you be one of them and stand with Eliza and other young people facing homelessness?

Dear UK Government,

My name is Eliza, I’m 23 and I’m a gamer.

My dream home would be one without conflict, one that I know is mine and wouldn’t be taken away from me.

I first came to Centrepoint a year ago when I had nowhere else to go. I was staying with family working as an admin assistant before everything went downhill. During this time, I lost my son and my mum was very unwell in hospital.

Often young people like me are going through some of the most traumatic times of their lives whilst also navigating working and trying to get the support we need.

No one plans to be homeless. Nobody should experience the anxiety that comes with not knowing where to go. It’s this intense panic and worry and frustration of not knowing what's going to happen or how you’re going to survive. How is that even right?

It doesn’t have to be this way. I don’t want to see any more young people worrying about being homeless and wondering if they are safe.

I told the council that I was homeless, only to be knocked back.

I want people to notice signs that someone may be struggling with things that could make them homeless. I want to see real change in how things are done.

We aren’t a voice to be shut out. We are human. We are young people asking for help when we know we have nowhere else to turn.

Will you add your name to mine to show your support for young people facing homelessness?

Don’t turn us away - we are only asking for help.

It’s important that future generations of young people know they won’t have to worry about if they have a place to go if they face homelessness.

Together, we can end youth homelessness. Will you join me?

Yours sincerely,

Eliza

I’m standing with Eliza. Add my name:

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Thank you so much for being part of our campaign calling for a fairer system for young people facing homelessness.

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