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Homelessness Awareness Week 2025: See the Person

Homelessness Awareness Week 2025: See the Person

Homelessness Awareness Week 2025: See the Person

Monday, December 1, 2025

This week, 1st - 7th December, is Homelessness Awareness Week in Northern Ireland. Macs NI are a member of our Northern Ireland Frontline Network, which is facilitated by Homeless Connect. As this year’s theme is #SeeThePerson, we worked with Homeless Connect to share the story of a person in their network that has been affected by homelessness, and can shed light on that experience. Mary* was first supported by Macs NI away from homelessness, and now works in the sector, helping many more young people into safety. 

Homelessness Awareness Week is such an important time to raise awareness around what homelessness can look like. Many people picture someone sleeping rough, but homelessness can take many forms — from sofa surfing to living in unsafe or temporary accommodation. My own journey reflects that reality. 

Growing up, my sister and I moved between care homes due to my mother’s addiction. When I was six, our grandparents residentially became our career, but the relationship was very strained. My sister later fled domestic abuse occurring in the home, and after that, my situation worsened. 

In primary school I really struggled but I recall how a close friend began bringing food for both of us. That small act of kindness stuck with me as it showed me that people cared and I didn’t have to suffer in silence. 

It still took me to my later school years in high school to really speak up about what was going on. Thankfully my friends allowed me to sofa surf between their homes each week. Their families quietly made sure my uniform was washed and that I had a hot meal. These small, consistent gestures gave me a sense of stability and belonging during a time of deep uncertainty. 

After finishing school, I reconnected with my sister in Belfast, but when that home became unsafe, I had nowhere else to turn. I spent two weeks sleeping on the streets, and my life began to spiral into addiction and other negative life choices. One day, while at a soup kitchen, I unexpectedly met a youth worker from my hometown. The fear of being recognised in this situation was overwhelming. However, this youth worker approached me with empathy and so much understanding. That moment changed the trajectory of my life. 

With their support, I started to rebuild. I found work in a nightclub that a friend worked at, then secured student accommodation. I think it is so important to recognise that just because I had a roof over my head did not mean that everything was “fixed” the consequences of being homeless stayed with me for such a long period but eventually with a lot of encouragement I enrolled in university to study Community and Youth Work. It wasn’t an easy journey, but each small act of kindness and every supportive connection played a role in helping me graduate (along with a lot of caffeine!)  

Today, I work supporting young people who are homeless or at risk of losing their tenancies. I strive to be that same safe, consistent adult who can be a place of guidance support and offer the light of hope in such a dark time in their life.

*Name changed to protect privacy 

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