Trigger warning: this case study contains references to domestic abuse.
We first met Ethan* when he was rough sleeping and using our day centre to access food and our shower facilities. We immediately referred him to our accommodation team. After a same-day assessment, he was welcomed into the Winter Shelter that night, providing him with immediate stability.
A few weeks into his stay at the Winter Shelter, Ethan abandoned his bed for three consecutive nights, leading to concerns about his commitment to the programme and positively moving on. On his fourth night away, he contacted the staff, acknowledging that he had lost his bed space and requesting to collect his belongings. However, staff sensed inconsistencies in his explanation and upon further questioning, he disclosed a deeply troubling incident.
Over the weekend, he had reconnected with an ex-partner, during which time he was subjected to domestic violence and was unable to leave or contact anyone for three days. This traumatic experience left him physically and emotionally shaken. Recognising the severity of the situation, we welcomed Ethan back to the Winter Shelter.
We referred Ethan to a domestic abuse support service in Nottingham. This ensured he could access resources to cope with his trauma and rebuild his sense of safety.
When he returned to the Winter Shelter, Ethan remained engaged with Emmanuel House and consistently accessed the support available to him, including our day centre services. Our team worked closely with him to create a supportive environment, encouraging him to focus on his recovery and personal goals. He also started working, which has boosted his confidence and provided financial stability.
With assistance from the city council’s housing service and his commitment to positively moving forward, Ethan has recently moved into a private-rented property, marking a significant step towards independent living. We also helped furnish the property with help from another local charity.
Ethan expressed his gratitude for Emmanuel House’s role in his recovery. He would like to volunteer within the homelessness sector in the future in order to give back.
By providing a safe space, personalised support and connections to specialist services, Emmanuel House empowered Ethan to overcome significant trauma, regain stability and move towards a brighter future. His journey is a testament to the resilience of those we support and the transformative impact of compassionate care.
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
It costs Emmanuel House £762 a day to run our Winter Shelter. If you’d like to make a financial contribution towards the service, please head to our donations page.
