Kateryn

I was working for a church in the Children & Families team for 6 years. As a result of the pandemic, I needed to move jobs and houses and the accommodation I found was miles away from my church and community.

However, when I was ready to move, the price for the accommodation changed and became more expensive, leaving me in a housing limbo. I mentioned this problem to one of my colleagues at church who told me that someone from the congregation has given his flat to Mission Housing and there were looking for a person to live there.

I moved to that flat in September 2020 and it has been one of the greatest blessing I have received from God. Living here, I feel safe as I have such helpful and kind landlords; I have been able to save, I have continued belonging to my church and have a very lovely Christian flatmate.

In 2021 my dad passed away unexpectedly which, is so far the worst experience I have had in my life. I had to spend some time in my home country and the Mission Housing team where very supportive and understanding of my situation. Living at a Mission Housing home, also meant that I have enough savings to face such an emergency. My dad was leading a church and as a result of the pandemic, the church ended up in financial difficulties. Using part of my savings, I was able to support my church with finances but also with teachings and seminars, face-to-face and online, and to grow my ministry to God.

I am still part of the church I was working for and now I serve at the breakfast café offered before the service. I also continue to be part of the team that hosts a lunch for single parents in the area.

If I wasn’t a tenant with Mission Housing, I wouldn’t be able to afford where I live, I probably wouldn’t be able to save and support my church in my home country or belong and serve at my church in London.

I now work at a charity, supporting people that are suffering from loneliness, isolation, financial problems, mental health and other social difficulties. I live near my work, which is rare in London, and my home is a sanctuary where I can rest, recharge and meet God after an emotionally draining day at work.