Help John get his own home

Try to imagine how difficult it is to escape the poverty trap as a person without a home, to live with the dangers and health impacts of years living on the streets in London - especially when, because of personal circumstances you can't access housing services - this is John's reality, but together we can change it.

John has been a part of House of Annetta for the past few years - last year working to bring people together around his vision for using empty buildings in London as community-led homeless social shelters. John has been incredibly generous with healing support for other community members health issues this past year and is always a gentle presence and joyful ingredient in the kitchen! John is always thinking of ways to help his community and now it's our turn to help him.

John had found a place to stay over winter and the impact on his health recovery has been significant. Now he's in a tricky situation where he will likely be back on the street. As a community we can show solidarity and make a significant change to his life for a relatively low cost - a cheap boat in a good condition will help John find a much safer enviroment as a home, allow him to maintain his independance, recover his sleep and have a continued positive impact on his health - so lets make this happen together!

If you have any questions, please reach out and I'm happy to answer them if I can.

with love & strength,

Fran

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My name is John and I been a rough-Sleeper for about 8 years. I was homeless after my mum died and because of an injury to my foot and a dropped lower disk in my spine I now suffer sciatica and shooting pains in both my legs with lock ups in my feet. I can no longer walk far or carry a heavy pack, or survive the cold in my back and joints as the pain is much worse sleeping on hard cold surfaces or damp places. It's not helping me especially with more upredictable weather and climate change and it's also getting pretty narly out there sleeping outside these days.

It would be good to stay on a boat so I could still be able to see my friends in London, some I've known for many years, homeless friends on the streets but because I can no longer easily live with other people with mental health issues as it's affecting my own peace of mind...I like the idea of having my own space!

With the housing shortage I see no other options that will work for me right now and having somewhere I can call my home is really important.

Thank you for helping me and giving me a chance....

John

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What we're aiming for:

£3500 as a dream amount, with goals starting at £600 to cover basic admin costs. This breaks down as

"£2500 as a funding level to acquire a boat of reasonable condition with a working engine. In addition to £400 to cover 1 years insurance and £200 for an inspection by the Canal & River Trust boat safety certificate, the first month's transit boating license is roughly £120. £330 for any essential interior repairs. The money will spent on a 27 foot plus crusier."