My name is Mathew Lee and my dog is Zarley ...

I came to the YMCA in October 2007. I had been homeless for quite a while after having to give up a council flat because of harassment, abuse and actual assault on both me and my dog by neighbours and their friends. I don’t know why they did it but it may have been because I was different, being the only one working in the block. My dog was only a pup then and they had even put rotten and spiked food through my letterbox when I was at work in an attempt to poison her. I gave up my flat and fled.

Before this trouble I was working as a driver for Cardiff Bus. In spite of them trying their best to support me, my problems were so overwhelming I had to leave. I became depressed and was signed on the sick. Debts mounted up and became like a black cloud hanging over me every day when I woke up. Friends and family had me stay for a while, but eventually, with Zarley with me, it became difficult and I moved on. I slept in my car and even in a tent at The Wenallt for a while during the summer months. All in all I was homeless, unemployed and on the move for 4 years. I was not familiar with homeless services as none of my friends or family had any experience of it. Marland House said they couldn’t help me because I’d given up my flat, and I didn’t think any place would take me and Zarley. People told me having her was holding me back, but she was everything to me and having lost everything else, home, job, car, possessions, I couldn’t bear to lose her too. I had a list of places that I hadn’t bothered to phone because of having Zarley, but one day decided I would. A very nice woman from Tresillion House helped me and she eventually was able to give me a room for us both. I didn’t like it there, but she found me the place at the YMCA after about 4 weeks. It was brilliant when I saw it and I was really pleased to move in. I have my own entrance and peace and quiet – all the staff are brilliant.

The YMCA has really helped me. I have a support worker who has helped me go through things one at a time. All my debt problems are now solved and I can wake up in the morning happy. She came to see my doctor with me because he asked to know what the YMCA did – he was very pleased. I came off the sick and a few weeks later through DFL I went on a Business in the Community placement that the YMCA arranges. I had a placement at Marks and Spencer’s and they were so pleased with me that I was offered a job. I am now working in their Operations Department and doing well. Being in work means I am on the Work Incentive Scheme at the hostel meaning I can afford to work whilst living here, and I get some extra benefits too. They have helped Zarley too – my support worker registered me with the Dog’s Trust who have a special scheme called the Hope Project for homeless people, and Zarley now has free vet’s treatment and at Christmas was sent a huge doggie hamper!

I can see how things have changed since I’ve been here.The YMCA uses a system called the STAR. You look at all the different areas of your life on a star shape and see where you are and what you have to do to go forward. I think it’s great as I can see the difference between when I came here and where I am now. I am really grateful for this place taking me and Zarley in. All I want now is my own home in Llanederyn so I will be near to where I know and where friends and family are.