Caroline

My name is Caroline. I became homeless following a relationship breakdown with my husband of 25yrs. I went to Newport City Council, Housing Options who referred me to Newport Night Shelter. There I met Marc from Eden Gate plus he runs the Night Shelter in the Winter months. I was very scared and upset and didn’t know which way to turn. Marc and a volunteer at Christ Church Centre welcomed me with open arms, a kind smile, comforting words and a hot chocolate drink. Myself and Marc sat and talked through my situation, he told me I was safe in the Nightshelter and that he would help me find a home. This made me feel calm & relaxed and he then showed me around.

They made me feel so welcome, if it wasn’t for the Night shelter I truly believe I wouldn’t have survived. Marc and all the volunteers at every Church were so amazing and full of love. No judgement towards me, every night was the same with big smiles and a hot meal, warm bed and lots of comfort.

Besides that, Marc gave me phone numbers, helped me loads and made phone calls for me. He even found me a fridge and delivered it to my new flat. If it wasn’t for Marc, the Night Shelter and Eden Gate I would be dead on the streets right now. Marc helped me find a new home and I’m now settled in my flat, I’ve been so inspired by all at Eden Gate and Newport Nightshelter that I now volunteer at Eden Gate First Contact Outreach project helping people who are homeless.