Homelessness can happen to anyone and unfortunately in January 2018, it happened to Zarif.

Following a breakdown in his marriage in Autumn, he left his family home to stay at the YMCA Derby.  Although Zarif has lived and worked in the UK for many years, he did not qualify for financial housing support and could no longer pay his rent.

2 weeks after Christmas, broken and helpless he was told about  Derby Churches Nightshelter and became a guest at Derby Cathedral for the evening.

Speaking from the Nightshelter Thank You Event at the end of April 2018, Zarif shared his thoughts with us.

You gave me shelter, you fed me, you gave me love and you became my family.

Zarif was an extraordinary  guest.  With an infectious smile and a willingness to help out with no job being too small for him, he got on with many guests and volunteers.  With an ability to speak many languages, he became a vital support at Guest Support, sitting in on conversations with other guests and housing support agencies.

I became friends with many people.  You gave me a chance to be a part of something and you totally changed my life.

Zarif was in the Nightshelter for 58 days and engaged with staff in finding a more permanent housing solution.  He now has a job and regularly attends Ozzy Road Baptist Church, praise the Lord!

Thank you to everybody, you have done a great job and keep helping!

Find out more about volunteering here

Transforming Lives Together