Jamie's story
Jamie grew up in Paddington with his mum, dad and brother. When his parents split, everything changed. At first he and his girlfriend moved to Newcastle with his dad. Unfortunately Jamie was made redundant and they had to move back a year later. They moved in with his girlfriend's parents initially, and then her sister.
When he and his girlfriend split up, Jamie left and stayed on his mum's couch for a bit but, due to her tenancy agreement, he and his dog soon had to leave.
"I was ashamed and embarrassed to sleep on the streets so I would walk all night with my dog. I didn't want people to see me looking like a tramp. I tried to get help from the council several times but, because of my dog, they wouldn't help me."
Fortunately, Jamie met St Mungo's Westminster outreach team, who found him a place at our emergency shelter in Islington. From there, Jamie and his dog Chuck moved into our Cromwell Road hostel.
Action Week Walk, Sunday 20 June 2010
Jamie took part in St Mungo's sponsored walk, in support of our Action Week, Just the Job.
We spoke to Jamie When he finished the walk:
"Me and Chucky enjoyed it. It was easier than I expected and I want to do a bigger one now and raise more money!"
He thanked all those who'd sponsored him to complete the walk and especially those who had also sent letters of support.
"I got a real buzz on the way home from reading letters that people had sent me when they'd sponsored me - they were really touching. One woman said she couldn't support me with money but wanted to send her best wishes. Another one said her son had sent me the money in his piggy bank.
"Loads of people were coming up to me as well and talking on the way. I was telling them about my life and experiences and I think it was an eye opener for some. I'll definitely be coming back to do this again next year, whether I'm still in a St Mungo's place or not."
Jamie is now taking his own steps towards finding a home of his own, getting a job and "being in a normal routine again".
"In the long run I'd love to work with animals if I could but the main thing for me at the moment is sorting myself out with my own place and some paid work."