Every month a homeless centre in Barnet is on a desperate mission to find homes for people living on the borough’s streets.

But before they can do that, Eddy Francis, the centre manager at Homeless Action in Barnet, says rough sleepers must be ready to help themselves first.

Mr Francis said: “As soon as they walk in the door we have to know they are committed to finding a home, otherwise it won’t work. They need to want it for themselves.”

It took one 50-year-old father, who asked to remain anonymous, four years before he made a conscious decision to leave the streets behind and “rejoin society”.

The rough sleeper became homeless after his house in High Barnet was repossessed.

He told the Times Series: “I knew I could find somewhere else to live but I didn’t want to. I just wanted to be completely on my own.

“I would always find somewhere to sleep, whether it was at the back of a golf course, church bench or a car park.

“I’d find odd jobs here and there so I could buy food. I was never on the dole or claiming benefits. I didn’t depend on anyone and I liked it that way.

“Sometimes it was brutal – I’d wake up so cold and painful I knew I couldn’t stay still or I’d die. I’ve had people trying to beat me up or kick me. But it was still my choice to be homeless.”

But after spending years moving from street to street in Barnet, he wanted a place to call home.
With the help of Homeless Action in Barnet in Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, he has been rehoused and is currently looking for a job.

He said: “The team here have been amazing. Not only have they helped me find a place to live, it’s provided a connection back to society. I’ve made some really nice mates here and the staff are fantastic – I feel like I’m back on track.”

Last month the centre rehoused 17 people – more than double the number of people for whom it aims to find accommodation each month.

The centre manager, Mr Francis, said: “As a team it makes us feel very happy and proud. Some months it can be frustrating when for whatever reason you’re struggling to get people rehoused, so to have these figures is great. It really makes the job worthwhile.”

Six of the 17 were found rooms in hostels and 11 were found private rental accommodation with the support of Broadway Housing’s Rent Deposit Scheme, which helps people on benefits or low income to find a home.