The London Borough of Hackney’s Benefits and Homelessness Prevention Team, in partnership with Single Homeless Project, won second prize and £20,000 in the 2025 London Homelessness Awards. We asked one of their clients, Samantha, how the team has helped her.
“Everyone at Single Homeless Project believes that homelessness doesn’t define you. It’s an experience, not a forever and with the right support, it can be ended.”
“It Was Like Christmas”: Samantha’s Journey With Single Homeless Project and Hackney Council
When Samantha left prison, she thought she would adjust quickly. Articulate, confident and determined to start again, she expected to hit the ground running. Instead, she found herself overwhelmed by the realities of life on the outside.
“I never thought I would struggle,” she says. “But it was hard. The DWP isn’t set up for people with complex needs, and I didn’t realise how institutionalised I’d become.”
What changed everything for Samantha was being referred to the Single Homeless Project through Hackney’s Complex Benefits Team — and meeting her key worker, Lesley, from the charity.
A Lifeline at the Hardest Moment
“When I first met Lesley, we sat down every week and made a list of all the help I needed — practical, emotional, everything,” Samantha recalls.
But just as she began rebuilding her life, Samantha became seriously ill and was admitted to hospital for four months, including a stay in ICU.
“It would have been a very lonely four months without Single Homeless Project” she says. “I wouldn’t have been able to sort my benefits, and I might not have got new accommodation.”
Instead, Lesley visited her two or three times a week. Samantha arrived in hospital with nothing — her phone had been stolen, and she had no essentials. Lesley stepped in immediately.
“She got me a £100 gift card and went out to get everything I needed. She applied for a smartphone from a charity, with six months’ credit. She sorted all my benefits. She did everything.”
Lesley also ensured Samantha could get to her medical appointments, often staying with her throughout. “I have ongoing health issues and I’m still under the hospital,” Samantha explains. “Lesley helped me every step of the way.”
A Fresh Start — and a Home
When Samantha was ready to move on, the charity and Hackney Council helped her secure safe, appropriate accommodation. But they didn’t stop there.
“I needed furniture and belongings, and Single Homeless Project provided so much — bedding, pots and pans, cleaning stuff, even a bin,” Samantha laughs. “Loads of stuff. It was like Christmas.”
For Samantha, this wasn’t just about practical support. It was about dignity, stability and feeling genuinely cared for.
“I like the Single Homeless Project because I’m not constantly referred somewhere else. Everything is in one place to get me sorted. Whatever I need, they seem to have a department for it — even psychotherapy.”
Stepping Into Her Future
With her housing and health stabilised, Samantha has been able to look ahead. In January, she began a mentoring course found by the charity, and she’s already supported others in prison and in the community.
“I’ve been shouting from the rooftops,” she says. “I told someone this week to do the course. Single Homeless Project and Hackney have given me a chance to breathe, get myself back to health, and move on to something positive.”
Samantha is passionate about challenging public perceptions of women in prison.
“People don’t realise that women in prison are normal,” she says. “I want to help change people’s views. Inside, women are told they’re bad all the time — but it isn’t true. I’ll never forget the women I was inside with.”
She also speaks highly of Single Homeless Project’s partnership with Hackney: “They have a really good relationship with Hackney. Really good teamwork.”
And she’s already imagining what the next two years could look like.
“In two years, I’ll be working for an organisation like Single Homeless Project, helping people who are in prison or coming out. I’ll have a flat, a kitten — and a job.”
A Story of Strength — and Support That Works
Samantha’s journey is proof of what dedicated, joined-up support can achieve. As she puts it:
“Without Single Homeless Project and the team at Hackney Council, two things could have happened: I might have had a breakdown — or ended up back in prison. Instead, I’ve had the chance to rebuild my life.”
Her story is a testament not just to her own resilience, but to the power of compassionate, practical, consistent support. With the charity and Hackney Council behind her, Samantha is not just surviving — she’s building a future she’s proud of.
As Lesley says: “Everyone at Single Homeless Project believes that homelessness doesn’t define you. It’s an experience, not a forever and with the right support, it can be ended.”