Amira

We first shared Amira’s story when we helped her to find an affordable home to rent with a friend. She wasn’t in employment at the time, having recently relocated to Edinburgh after spending much of her late teenage years in and out of homelessness in London. Her experiences in London had been traumatic; estranged from her family, moving between temporary hostels, living with adults, and facing transphobia, including a terrifying knife attack.

“Looking back now I have no idea how I would have escaped my life back in London without the support and funding from Rock Trust. The most important thing I want to get across is that I don’t know who you are and you don’t know who I am, however with your support to Rock Trust you have changed my life, given me hope for myself and the future of anyone else who needs help from Rock Trust.” Amira

Edinburgh was a new start, a chance at a better future.

But unfortunately moving into a new home in Edinburgh was not the end of Amira’s struggles. When her flatmate moved out suddenly, Amira was left to shoulder the burden of the full rent for the property. Because she was still on benefits, the landlord was unable to put the lease into Amira’s name, and she faced the threat of eviction. Amira’s problems continued when an error was made during her housing benefit claim, delaying the payments she was due. Amira gradually built-up rent arrears. During this time Rock Trust played a crucial role mediating with the landlord and doing all we could to help Amira access the financial support she was entitled too. Thankfully Amira got to keep a roof over her head.

Amira is determined and resilient and was not going to give up. She was successful in accessing a skill development scheme which provided her with a 6-month work placement at the City of Edinburgh Council. This was a huge achievement, but after 6 months she was still struggling to afford her rent and the placement came to an end. She was back looking for work.

Lack of money was becoming a huge burden, and Amira considered all the options available. At this point she was feeling desperate. She wasn’t just facing the threat of homelessness again, but not being able to afford the basic items that she needed to live her life. One of the most significant things that Amira struggled to afford were self-care items, including personal hygiene toiletries, hair-care and make-up. This was detrimental to Amira’s confidence and feelings of self-worth as a young trans woman.

With the stability of a home and through her own determination, Amira has recently secured a new job that will enable her to keep on top of her rent payments, and her landlord has agreed to put the lease into her name. She can finally have some stability and choice in her life. It has been a long journey to get here.