Meet Alan: From the brink of homelessness to getting his life on track

“I’d got in such a bad place mentally and financially that I considered ending my life. But as soon as The Salvation Army stepped in my life began to improve.”

Alan Craig found himself on the brink of homelessness and living without furniture after his home was flooded. Struggling to cope and spiralling into debt, he was referred to The Salvation Army’s Inverness Resettlement Project for people who are at risk of losing their homes.

At that time Alan was also using more and more drugs to cope with the stress of life - and his health began to deteriorate.

But with help of his support worker Elizabeth and the specialist staff team at The Salvation Army project, Alan was able to get his life back on track. First Elizabeth arranged new furniture for his home before working with him to reclaim essential benefits he had missed out on.      

The 53-year-old says: “My life was in a mess. My home had been flooded from the flat above and there was water pouring in, so I had little to no furniture left in the house. I was taking more drugs to cope with the stress and ended up in a lot of debt. I felt helpless and thought about suicide.

“I was referred to The Salvation Army and straight away they were able to help. I knew I wasn’t claiming all the benefits I was entitled to, but I didn’t know where to start with that. Elizabeth my support worker was amazing. She sorted out the problem with my flooded flat, got me furniture and went through all my paperwork. I was shocked to discover I was entitled to £5,500. I couldn’t believe it. It’s no exaggeration to say The Salvation Army saved my life

Alan also says the staff would go the extra mile for him at Christmas when he was feeling isolated.

He said: “The support they gave me with presents and food has been overwhelming. The staff have also put on events for the service users to make us feel part of a family. Things like Christmas lunches and outings. I can’t thank The Salvation Army enough.”