Lifelong friends Sean and Jim, both in their 40s, had been moving between homelessness hostels and rough sleeping for many years. We were able to offer them both a place at Crossways when it reopened in November 2025.
Both had complex mental and physical health needs and had found it hard to sustain any accommodation. They had stayed with several providers over the years. These placements often failed due to evictions, or the inability to cope with being separated. When one became homeless, the other would choose to leave so they could support each other on the streets.
To stay together, they often chose sleeping rough over offers of individual accommodation. Both stated that the only emotional support they had was each other, having been friends since primary school and crediting each other with lifesaving interventions over the years.
Both Sean and Jim felt happy and relieved to be accommodated together at Crossways, engaging closely with our team and other support services.
Whilst at Crossways, Sean was offered but refused a move to other homelessness accommodation. He’d choose a return to rough sleeping, rather than be separated from his best friend.
Other providers were unable to offer accommodation to both. It became clear that we needed to try a new approach and worked hard to ensure that over a decade in the cycle of hostel to street came to an end.
We discussed the possibility of Sean and Jim moving to a private rental property where they could live together. We assured them that our support would always be available, and the crucial support from mental health and medical teams would remain in place. This was particularly important, as historically they had both struggled to form trusting relationships with professionals, making this a key factor in any successful move.
After a lengthy search for appropriate and affordable accommodation close to Cambridge, we secured a 2-bedroom property which Sean and Jim were thrilled to accept.
Since moving, they have managed their rent payments, housekeeping, cooking, and made friends with their neighbours! Our support team regularly receives updates from Sean and Jim, including messages such as ‘We’ve made our first ever roast dinner!‘
We’re continuing to support via our Survive and Thrive service. Sean and Jim frequently visit us to let us know how they are doing and tell us how happy and secure they feel. They have recently offered to help paint some of our rooms which need a refresh.
