A COUPLE who were homeless last month have managed to get themselves off the streets and into a flat. But Kevin Le Poidevin, 22, said the home he and his partner, Lorraine Hooper-Nicolle, 45, have moved into was not in very good condition.
‘We are still really struggling because the condition of the flat makes it impossible to see it as a long-term solution. But it’s all we can afford at the moment,’ said Mr Le Poidevin.
In an article last month, the couple pleaded for someone to help them. They had been sleeping rough in Cambridge Park, Candie Gardens and even among the trees at the junction of Collings Road and Valnord Lane.
After their appeal in the Guernsey Press, a friend gave them enough money for a deposit.
‘We can afford the rent because of our benefits, but could not get the deposit.
‘If it had not been for this friend, we would still be in the same position,’ Mr Le Poidevin said.
‘We have been able to get a roof over our heads, which is the main thing, but it’s not up to scratch. We don’t want to stay here forever, but I’m finding it really hard to get a job.
‘I’m not too happy with where we are but it’s a roof and I’m not going to put Lorraine in a position where she is homeless again.’
Mr Le Poidevin said the couple had received many phone calls since they told their story and the majority were abusive.
‘About 70% of them were from people taking the mickey,’ he said.
‘That kind of abuse just knocks you back and I was really disappointed by it. I was really surprised. Even people who had been in this situation themselves were being horrible. I can’t understand that - it made me sick.
‘People don’t realise that they could be in this situation one day. It can happen to anyone.
‘But there were also a lot of people who wanted to help us and we are very grateful to them.’
He added that the couple still felt let down by the States.
‘Even after everything, we have still had no help from the States. We have had help from public assistance and supplementary benefit but we have had no help from Housing or any other department.
‘It has been an absolute nightmare, but we hope things will now get better.’
Article posted on 21st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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