At just 17 years old, I call Cardiff home, but there was a period of 18 months where I experienced homelessness. This challenging time coincided with my GCSE exams, the beginning of college, and the arrival of a new baby brother, making it emotionally draining. Despite homelessness being a widely discussed issue, my personal experience, along with my seven siblings, shed light on a different perspective. My name is Mia, and I was honored to be the Welsh recipient of the BBC Young Reporter Competition 2024, where I focused on the impact of housing insecurity on young individuals.
The sudden loss of our family home came as a shock. A seemingly innocuous letter about a no-fault eviction turned our lives upside down, prompting us to frantically research what it meant. From staying in various hotels to finally securing a council house in August 2024, the journey was filled with uncertainty and challenges. Initially, the prospect of staying in a hotel seemed exciting, but the reality soon set in as we navigated shared rooms, limited privacy, and a lack of proper amenities like a kitchen. The situation took a toll on me, especially as I grappled with preparing for my exams in cramped and distracting settings.
Amidst the difficulties of studying and living in temporary accommodations, I yearned for the comfort of being near friends and family. Simple gestures like receiving leftover food from school or the support of understanding friends helped alleviate some of the stress. The misconceptions around homelessness often overshadow the experiences of young individuals like me, as highlighted by the statistics shared by the Welsh government regarding the number of people in temporary housing situations. Collaborating with organizations like Llamau, who work tirelessly to combat homelessness, was eye-opening and revealed the extensive support needed for young people facing similar challenges.
Reflecting on our journey from homelessness to a stable home, I am grateful for the resilience it cultivated within my family. The experience, though tumultuous, brought us closer together and reinforced the importance of community support. As I pursue my aspirations of becoming a journalist, I aim to share stories like mine to shed light on the impact of homelessness on youth. Despite the progress made in addressing housing emergencies, there is still work to be done in ensuring that every individual has access to safe and stable housing
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