A former homeless resident can't wait to start living her life again after securing a new home with Eastlight's support.

It has been a long road for Bobbie Town, 35, who is now happy to call herself an Eastlight resident.

Problems began when she was living in Romford. Trapped in an abusive marriage, Bobbie’s life was rocked further when she was diagnosed with a severe form of brain tumour.

A difficult time followed with Bobbie losing her job and experiencing the passing of her Nan. Breaking free from her abusive relationship, Bobbie was catapulted into homelessness for the first time.

Bobbie and her pets found refuge in a garden annexe and began searching for a new home. Bobbie said: “After going through a fair few challenges, I managed to find somewhere I thought was going to be the home of my dreams. This ended up being so far from that. Once again, I found myself in absolute hell.”

Landing in a house in Twinstead, Essex, Bobbie says she suffered severe abuse from her live-in landlord and felt trapped in the house which became a “prison-like” environment.

  • Young Eastlight resident Bobbie is stood against a brick wall with her hand on her hip.

    At breaking point, Bobbie reached out to several local authorities, including the council who put her on the housing register.

    She was then made homeless for a second time and was forced to ‘sofa surf’ between friends’ houses for more than a year.

During this already difficult time, Bobbie also ended up losing her best friend. The loss made it even more important for her to gain some much-needed added security.

That’s when Bobbie was put in touch with Eastlight’s Lettings Team who worked hard to find her a place to call home. Bobbie was in touch with Eastlight staff throughout the process and was accompanied to property viewings. Quickly afterwards, they processed her rent, handled all the relevant documentation and provided the code for the key safe.

Now an Eastlight resident, Bobbie is living in an affordable rented home in Halstead and can finally start to rebuild her life.

  • Eastlight resident, Bobbie, is sat on a sofa in her home. Her black and white cat is sat on the window sill behind her. They are both looking at the camera.

    “This was the answer to all my prayers,”

    said Bobbie. “I finally have my very own sanctuary and safe place, which I absolutely love and can start afresh. I can't thank Eastlight enough.”