Real stories of Progress | Mark's story
Mark said he would still be homeless if it wasn’t for Progress Housing Group.
The 56-year-old had been a carer for his mum, living at her house in Lostock Hall, which she owned. But in 2020, she had to temporarily move into a care home. As the pandemic hit, she ended up staying for 18 months, racking up a huge bill.
As a result, her home was repossessed and Mark had to move out in August 2023. With nowhere to go, he stayed at friends’ houses. He struggled to find anywhere more permanent, so he started living in a shed.
Not long after his 55th birthday, he applied for a flat in one of our independent living schemes in Leyland and he moved in last March.
He said: “I was living rough for 6 months. At first I was sofa surfing at my mates’ houses but I couldn’t keep doing that. I lived in the garage of my mum’s house whilst the rest of the house was boarded up for 3 months and then I found an empty shed and lived rough for 3 to 4 months.
“I got looked after by the people I knew in Lostock Hall. I used the food bank in Lostock Hall, my local chippy would let me have free sausages and chips, and I would talk to people in the library and get a free drink.
“I was looking at anything and everything on Select Move but when I turned 55, this allowed me to be considered for independent living properties. I heard all about Progress through going to the job centre. When I said I was homeless they suggested I got in touch with Progress and register on Select Move. I got a phone call on the Monday and moved in on the Wednesday – it was that easy.
“I have had fantastic support from Progress Housing Group and The Base.
“The Tenancy Sustainability Team at Progress helped me get a fridge, microwave, air fryer and toaster as I had no kitchen utensils. I spoke to someone at The Base, in Bannister Drive, Leyland, who helped me with my water bill and other general support.
“I feel very lucky. If it had not been for Progress, I would probably still be on the streets.
“The flat is lovely and I have made some friends here too.”
Mark, who is a skilled bricklayer, is also being supported by Progress Futures to get paid work.
He adds: “When you are on the streets, it is hard to get back on your feet, as you struggle to get a job with no fixed address. I also lost all my tools when the house got repossessed so it has been hard to find work.
“But Progress Futures has been fantastic.”
Mark adds that one of the things he struggled with was knowing where to turn to for help.
He said: “I didn’t know that my mum’s house would be repossessed to pay for the care home. If I had known earlier, I would have sorted something out sooner. But I had no-one giving advice.
“So my advice to anyone who finds themselves homeless or in a similar situation, is to get help. People don’t always know where to go, but try to get advice from someone who has been in that position.”
Advice and support
Our website has a list of external support and resources to help during times of need: Community support and useful resources | Progress Housing Group
For housing support you can also contact Citizens Advice Bureau: Housing - Citizens Advice
Our charity Key Unlocking Futures also provides support for people who are homeless: Help and Support - Key Unlocking Futures