Trevor’s story: overcoming homelessness with The Greenhouse’s support

Trevor became homeless after a series of challenges pushed him out of stable accommodation. ” The owner of the house I used to live in decided to sell, so I had no choice but to leave,” he explained.  

His situation was made even more difficult due to a work accident that left him unable to continue his job. While working on a rubbish truck, Trevor sustained a serious injury when a loose strap from an overfilled bin caused him to fall and suffer a spinal fracture. 

Having nowhere else to go, Trevor found himself sleeping rough. “I was living bad, sleeping in a park, in the rain… sometimes at the bus station,” he recalled. 

Finding Support at The Greenhouse 

During this challenging time, Trevor came across The Greenhouse, a day centre in Hackney run by Thames Reach, which provides vital support for people experiencing homelessness. At The Greenhouse, Trevor received help with housing and found a sense of community that made a real difference. 

“It was nice to meet these people, you know, so I could get off the street”. The centre not only helped him find housing but also became a place where he felt valued and cared for. “Even my birthday, I celebrated here. They surprised me with a cake.” 

Trevor now lives in stable accommodation but he sometimes drops in on the team that supported him through his toughest times. “I still like to come here and visit because they did something nice for me”. 

Looking ahead  

As Trevor moves forward, he hopes to improve his physical health and eventually return to work. During his visits to The Greenhouse, he has also found a new outlet for expressing himself – composing songs. Writing music has become a way for Trevor to reflect on the challenges he has faced during his time without a home.   

In the video below, Trevor performs a song he wrote, sharing his personal experience of homelessness and the emotional toll it took on him, while also conveying his hope for the future.