Easing the Financial Burden: Lilly's Story

Every homeless person’s story is unique, with various circumstances leading to their situation. Lilly’s* journey into homelessness began when her landlord sold the rental property she was living in with her three sons. Suddenly, she found herself with nowhere to go. Forced to live in a single bedroom in a hostel, she faced immense pressure, which significantly impacted her mental health. Lilly has a history of substance dependency, a struggle she has worked hard to overcome. Although she is in long-term recovery, her mental health has been affected, and the additional stress of her current living situation has exacerbated her mental health issues. The cramped living conditions and lack of stability have only intensified her stress, making it increasingly difficult for her to provide for her children.

The Struggle

Living in a hostel posed numerous challenges for Lilly and her family. The instability and cramped living conditions took a toll on her mental health, while she struggled to meet the basic needs of her family. Financially, she was stretched thin, finding it difficult to afford food, clothing, and travel expenses for her children to attend school. The constant worry about providing for her sons only added to her stress and anxiety.

Shelter's Generation Homeless report reveals a child loses their home every eight minutes. This is the equivalent of 183 children per day, enough to fill 2.5 double decker buses.

Easing the Burden

Recognising the difficulties faced by parents like Lilly, our Back to School initiative aims to alleviate some of these pressures. Through our partnership with Herts Young Homeless, we were able to deliver a comprehensive care package to Lilly including; clothing, essential toiletries, and basic school supplies, such as stationery and equipment.  The items provided in the care package made a significant difference in Lilly's life. 

• Reduced Financial Strain: The clothing and school supplies meant Lilly did not have to worry about finding the money to purchase these essential items. This relief allowed her to allocate her limited funds to other necessities like food and travel costs.
• Eased Anxiety: Knowing that her children had the necessary items for school helped to ease Lilly’s anxiety. She felt more prepared and less stressed about their education and well-being.
• Boosted Self-Esteem for Her Sons: Having the proper supplies gave Lilly’s sons a sense of belonging and confidence at school. They no longer felt different from their peers, which positively impacted their self-esteem and overall school experience.

Thank you for your kindness, it means a lot to know someone cares. I sometimes worry the boys will get bullied for what what they wear to school. I could never afford the amazing things you have given us and the boys are over the moon to have new things for school.

Lilly explained that her sons felt proud to wear the backpacks to school that we donated and that she was so grateful to Goods for Good as these were items she could never dream of being able to afford. She said, "Thank you for your kindness, it means a lot to know someone cares."

The Broader Issue

Lilly’s story highlights a broader issue faced by many parents in the UK. The cost of school uniforms, equipment, and stationery can be overwhelming for families already struggling financially. Without assistance, many parents are forced to make difficult choices between essential needs, which can adversely affect their children’s education and well-being.

Our Back To School initiative has been instrumental in supporting families like Lilly’s. By providing essential school items, we not only alleviate financial burdens but also contribute to a more positive and stable environment for both parents and children. 

Help us support more people like Lilly

Goods For Good believes that no child should be disadvantaged because of their family’s financial situation but the reality for many of the people we support, means they have to make difficult decisions in order to clothe and feed their families, often foregoing other basic essentials such as heating and electricity. Every time you make a donation to Goods For Good you're helping to provide essentials to people,  like Lilly, living in desperate circumstances, enabling them to take care of themselves and remain focused on their lives. 

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 *Lily's story is real and based on true events however, in order to protect her identity her name has been changed and the photos used are stock imagery courtesy of Getty images and photographer Michael Heiss.