Pascal is currently staying in one of Peter McVerry Trust’s Supported Temporary Accommodation services in Dublin City Centre.

Like many individuals and families in recent years, Pascal was faced with having the property he was renting sold by his landlord.

“I’ve been in the service since the 1st of March this year (2019). I had been in three services before that. I was made homeless on the 28th of January (2019). I was on the streets for five days.

“The reason I became homeless was, I had a residential apartment, I lived in an apartment for eight years and the landlord decided to sell up. He gave me six months’ notice in which I went out for six months looking for places. I couldn’t get them and the 28th came so quick,” he said.

“Before I knew it, I was on the streets. That was it. I found myself on the 28th of January in the doorway of Penneys. I slept in the doorway and I was there for four nights.

I was going to five or six viewings a week. There was two or three a day sometimes as well. A soon as they knew it was HAP it was gone to someone else, moved on to someone else,” he added.

While residing with Peter McVerry Trust, Pascal has continued in full time employment. He remains focused on having a place to call his own again.

“I get on with the people, the lads here. I get on with the staff, the staff are 110%, believe me. Anything I’ve asked for I’ve got, or any problems I’ve had I’ve went to them and they’ve tried to solve them.

“I work as a carer, so I’m out until 4pm – 9am until 4pm in the day. I look after kids, I’m in a GAA club as well so that sort of thing keeps me going as well,” said Pascal.

“All I want is a place of my own, a little bit of independence. Come in, get your own dinner and bed, TV, kitchen and a bathroom. I’d be happy, that’s all I need,” he concluded.