Beth's story

Every day, The Salvation Army provides over 3,000 bed spaces for people experiencing homelessness. A further 3,500 people are being helped by our services which include: supported accommodation for people living on their own, couples, families and young people, emergency provision and rough sleeping. We must raise in excess of £7.3 million every year to meet the increasing demands on our services.

This Christmas, there’s no telling how many people will turn to us, desperate for help. Your support allows us to offer this vital help to those in need this Christmas, like Beth.

Beth has memories of a happy childhood growing up with two siblings, but they were tainted living with a mother facing alcohol addiction. At risk of being taken into care when she was 10, Beth went to live with her father.

Despite her unsettled start at life, Beth grew into a young woman with a future full of promise and love. By the time Beth was 20, she was in a committed relationship. When her little girl Gracie was born, they were living in a council house, and Beth felt hopeful about the future.

Unfortunately, Gracie’s father developed a gambling addiction. He became financially abusive towards Beth, and consequently they went into rent arrears and were evicted from their home. Beth and Gracie were homeless. 

Beth and Gracie were placed in temporary accommodation provided by the council. They could only bring two suitcases of their belongings and had to sleep in a bunk bed. 

“I sobbed when I had to move in there. I sobbed at what my life had become—losing my home.” 

At her lowest point, Beth received a call to say they had been given a flat in a Salvation Army family hostel. Beth felt nervous about yet another move for them both. On the day they moved into The Salvation Army’s flat, Beth and Gracie were so relieved to find it welcoming and homely; they were given welcome gifts, toiletries, and treats. They knew straight away they were cared for. It was home.

The Salvation Army supports thousands of people experiencing homelessness each year. Thank you for helping us support families like Beth and Gracie.