15/06/2026
In 2021, Abigail lost her home. With nowhere to turn, she travelled to London, found a hidden spot in woodland, and pitched a tent. There, she survived for two years - alone and unseen.
“I still can’t believe I was in a tent for so long,” she said. “You lose track of time, and I kept my situation secret from anyone I met.”
By day, Abigail volunteered at local charities, determined to keep going. By night, she returned to her tent. She told no one. The shame, fear, and weight of everything she had been through made it hard to believe help was possible.
Before becoming homeless, Abigail had been independent and secure, managing a shop and building a life. But an abusive partner exploited her, leaving her with debts in her name.
She lost her job, her home, and the stability she had worked so hard to build. With no family support and nowhere safe to turn, she felt her only option was to disappear.
In early 2023, after two years alone, Abigail found the courage to come to HAB.
“I didn’t know if I was going to get into trouble given the reasons I ran away from my past life,” she said. “I couldn’t believe there was a way out.”
Her first meeting with a HAB Support Worker was emotional, but it was also the start of something new. She was reassured that her debts could be managed, that she could safely claim benefits, and that she deserved a safe home.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Abigail was able to access specialist advice, start her Universal Credit claim, and be referred to supported housing. Within just two weeks, she moved into safe accommodation.
Today, Abigail lives in her own studio flat, with ongoing support to manage her finances and rebuild her confidence.
“It feels a bit like a holiday home,” she says. “But with the chance to start afresh.”
This life-changing support was only possible because of people like you. The kindness and generosity of our supportive community powers our work that helped Abigail to leave homelessness behind and begin again.
