Paul had been without a home for 20 months after losing his job in security amid cuts at Manchester Airport in 2016. With no money coming into the household, his job loss was followed by a relationship breakdown with his partner amid the financial strain, and he was asked to move out of their home.
He has not forgotten how it felt to be sofa-surfing with friends, never wanting to overstay his welcome, and then eventually finding himself living rough on the streets for months on end. But on Christmas Day six years ago, a kind invitation changed his life.
He said: "Looking back on where I was six years ago compared with now, it feels like a lifetime ago, and so much has happened in between. I lost my mother recently and my brother. I hope my story shows how hard work and perseverance can pay off." Out on the street, Paul would often have to sleep next to the bins of Manchester city centre's Primark which hid him from the worst of the cruel weather and other people forced to live on the streets. Paul said: "It's a dog-eat-dog life. In the evening, people get aggressive and want to snatch your phone, they shout at you that you've taken their space, especially if they've used drugs. It's the same with temporary accommodation, that can be violent and dangerous too because of the drug use there and you feel safer on the street sometimes.
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