Martin was supported by Peter McVerry Trust to overcome addiction and move from our drug-free accommodation into a home of his own in Dublin.

‘If Peter McVerry Trust didn’t come into my life, I would still be on the streets…I’d be on drugs, I’d be drinking.’

‘I got this apartment in November and I’m blessed to have it. It was a long, long journey. I had to wait thirteen years on the housing waiting list. The great staff at Peter McVerry Trust helped me along the way, with letters and talking to people for me. Thank God for them. They’ve pushed me on and they applied to a lot of local housing authorities for me. Thank God I was nominated for this one. It was a lovely Christmas present to be honest. I’d really be lost if it wasn’t for Peter McVerry Trust staff because I needed a bit of a push to help me get where I am today.

‘If Peter McVerry Trust didn’t come into my life, I would still be on the streets, I would still be in hostels, I’d be on drugs, I’d be drinking. Maybe in and out of prison. So really and truly, Peter McVerry Trust are a blessing. All the staff helped me through this long journey and I’m glad that they were a part of it. I’m so happy. I’m still in touch with Peter McVerry Trust. My keyworker is still going to be in touch in the future to see how I’m getting on with my new home and how things are going for me.

‘Better things are on the way. The future looks bright. This is my new start. My new home. I’m hoping to get my family and kids over here. To show them my new home and to be happy and tell them the journey it took for me to get here.’