A rhythm of renewal

Mangbe first came to The Connection in 2022, receiving support with searching for a job and finding housing. Things went well for a couple of years until his rental contract ended. Unable to find somewhere else to live, he lost his job and returned to The Connection in April this year.

Mangbe’s passport was unfortunately stolen while he was rough sleeping. He couldn’t afford a replacement and without ID, finding work was impossible, even after attending interviews and explaining his situation to employers.

Finding support and community

Mangbe has a passion for music, writing, drawing, and anything creative so he was really happy to get involved with lots of the groups and activities offered by our Community team.

He shared how much these activities meant to him: “All these things are really important. The support group every Monday was especially good for me because I was very stressed.”

A safe home and a fresh start

We helped Mangbe find a room of his own. Having a stable place to call home was transformative for him.

We then helped him apply and pay for a new passport, enabling him to resume his job search.

Looking ahead to a brighter future

With a roof over his head, Mangbe shared that a great weight has been lifted from his shoulders, as he no longer has to sleep on the streets. Mangbe is excited to receive his new ID and plan his next steps.

He reflected on the simple yet profound impact of having basic necessities: “Being able to eat properly is fantastic. Even having a shower helps strengthen your mind and mental health.”

While waiting for his ID, Mangbe plans to volunteer in gardening to stay active, learn new skills, and boost his job prospects.