customer feedback!

I have been sleeping rough for almost four months now. Its my own fault that I could not keep my job and eventually had to sell my house to clear my debts. I travelled around the UK for a while before settling in Somerset until the remaining money from from the house sale ran out and I ended up in Exmouth, homeless and alone, thinking about suicide and stealing milk off doorsteps. I am not a religious person but I was christened and I did attend sunday school, but here at Open doors that does not matter, just help and respect each other.

I have found that there is a mixture of people in this town. The ones who listen, the ones who frown, those that greet strangers as old pals and the predators who only want to make a pound or two out of your misfortune. At the opendoor centre I have found help. I have gained access to good quality food at a price I can afford. Good company mostly from people I would not have previously met or mixed with. Here I can get good solid advice from the staff, volunteers and other clients, on a variety of subjects from benefits and housing to tips on sleeping outside.

I use the facility as my postal address for my jobseekers allowance. I use the computers and internet access to search for work. I can keep my mobile phone charged, absolutely vital this days as job agencies need to have instant access to you.

I do not drink alcohol, smoke or take drugs, but coffee is a weakness, a simple affordable luxury.

During the week I get a horrible greasy feeling on my hands which does not easily wash off and I am conscious of my aroma! So a highlight of my week is to have a coffee followed by a hot shower and a shave. And I can keep my clothes clean by having them washed here so that back on the street I do not appear to be homeless.

In short opendoors has raised my self esteem, has helped me to help myself, and it has given me hope for the future.

David Emery BSc (Hons)
Note: since David wrote this he has found a place to live and has several job interviews lined up.