Rahel
Arriving in the UK not knowing the language or how to navigate a complex and hostile asylum system, Rahel ended up facing street homelessness.
“I like to work in the community and help other people. I like cooking, cleaning in the house and gardening.”
A meal that is shared brings people together in community and solidarity. It creates space for us to open up about who and how we are. It’s a chance to feel known. When Rahel arrived in the UK seeking safety, this love and support from a community around her was what she missed most.
“Coming to this country, there was a lot of suffering. I didn’t know anything about the country, the people, the language and even where to go. You want someone to encourage you, to hug you. You want to feel that there are people around you.”
Forced to navigate the complexity and hostility of the UK asylum system without a support network, it’s not surprising that Rahel found herself facing street homelessness. Instead of safety or welcome, what she experienced when she arrived here was instead further harm. Rahel described what it is like to sleep outside:
“Because I’m a woman, it was very hard for me. […] I passed through many bad times. At the time, they didn’t seem like they would end. I didn’t think I would make it through.”
Rahel first accessed support from the Boaz Trust through our hosting scheme that was in operation at the time. After staying with hosts for a couple of months, she moved into Boaz accommodation for people who’ve been refused asylum.
“They helped me a lot. If I didn’t go to Boaz, you wouldn’t find me here today.”
With the stability and security that came from safe accommodation, Rahel began to recover from her experiences of destitution. Having a support worker by her side to offer practical, emotional and person-centred support was also vital. Later, with the help of her support worker, Rahel was able to access legal advice and went on to hand in further submissions to the Home Office.
Shortly after moving out of Boaz housing into Section 4 accommodation while awaiting her asylum decision, Rahel heard that she had been granted leave to remain.
“I want people to learn from me that there is nothing bad that won’t pass. They have to be hopeful for tomorrow and be strong.”
Now Rahel is studying, teaching people to cook and working towards her goal of getting a job. She’s also generously given her time to volunteer with Boaz in various ways. She ran a cookalong for supporters during the pandemic, held a traditional coffee ceremony at Boaz Family Night and participated in our 2024 Christmas Appeal film.
During the filming, when we asked Rahel about the impact that Boaz has had on her life, she told us:
“Boaz helps me to have a bright future and makes me eager to live. I went through a lot in my past life. Boaz hope, it is a great hope.”
