With Homelessness increasing on a daily basis, I sit down and talk with a young individual who shares his story of being homeless.. & How he wants to help tackle Homelessness as a whole

Name: Owen 

Age: 18

@OwenYouNothing - Twitter

With Homelessness expanding on a daily basis we are always the one to be quick to judge or don't even think about others situations before even reacting to situations that happen in life. However, when I was browsing on Twitter I stumbled upon this rather young yet inspirational individual who wanted to share his story to me about how he was once homeless and how he managed to turn his life around. 

It was a great indication of how everyone could potential be in this position and it was also remarkable to hear how because he found himself in that position in the past he wants to do a lot to help prevent homelessness as a whole. Without further ado lets get this conversation off and running then.

First and foremost, in the politest way possible could you tell me who you are and what do you do for a living? 

My Name is Owen, I’m 18 years old and currently attend college and work part time.


How old was you when you first became homeless? 

I was 16 years old when I became homeless, I was only homeless for just over a month. Starting at the beginning of October 16 and ending at the start of November 17.

With all the stigma’s towards homelessness do you think people’s perception of you changed when they discovered you was homeless? 

Most definitely, my world was turned upside down and some people may have thought it would turn theirs upside down. It was hard to be myself for a while due to the perception and question people had of the scenario.

If you don’t mind me asking how did you end up being homeless? 

My life was taken over by cannabis in a really negative way, I was stealing, being aggressive and lost all my ambition. This led to falling out with my mum and my family.

Was your family aware? I only say this with your story you have always praised them and sort admired for having the type of family you had around you, Or was it something you felt ashamed about? 

My family tried to help me as much as they could before it go out of hand. So by the time came of being homeless they took a step back and let me carry on. Probably the best thing they could have done thinking back.

If you had a movie about your rise and fall life story who would you like to play you and why? 

Robert Downey JR due to his ego and poor attitude and then as the movie goes on he begins to become more conscious and focuses on more than just himself, kind of like himself.

Because you’ve experienced homelessness as a whole how do you feel us as people can do to help others in that situation?

I feel that the best way to help people is by giving them opportunities like I was given. This could be anything like a taste of new life, just by having a roof over my head for a few days made me realise how lucky we are as people. I do have to give credit to the council as they done everything they could after they understood everything. This took far too long though.

Hope you don’t mind me for asking this but with your story you told me before this. Did you have any problems with alcohol, drugs or mental health? Before this or during your stint as homeless? if so did it get worsen whilst being homeless?

I didn’t really drink when I was 16 but I used to take ecstasy most weekends along with cocaine and was a cannabis smoker every day spending between 20 and 50 pounds. When I became homeless the usage of each stayed the same due to finding new ways to get money.

What was the turning point when you started to realise things will finally start to change for yourself?


After a month, I went into foster care which was a bit of a kick up the bum but being a stoner I slept walked through life until I was moved about from home to home. This was a wake up call as I began to work, however I did not stop the cannabis use till new year 2018 and from there I have progressed mentally day by day.

What’s made you want to do this today?


I wanted to a chance to explain my side of the story publicly as it can happen to anyone and it shouldn’t. I also have a lot of pride so it gives me some sort of satisfaction when I can be open about it now as that shows I’ve came a long way.

What made you want to help others who are homeless, was it because you’ve been there and understand the struggle so want to help them the best way you could?

I wanted to help homelessness and raise awareness due to the stigma and ‘shame’ around it. I done it to myself and a lot of people do, it’s so hard to get out of the cycle but when you do it give you a sense of belonging that is unimaginable. I wish people would realise this because it’s a powerful feeling to see what you have overcome and your not finished yet.

Where do you see your life within the next 12 months?


In 12 months I know I will have finished my college course and will be going to university to pursue my dreams as a pilot.

It’s such a remarkable story I mean you fall on hard times, completely turn your life around what would you say to someone who feels they’re currently going through difficult times now?

Don’t think it’s the end of the world. Whatever has took over your life whether that be substance or mental health just think of your life without it, learn to love yourself, be positive,  because once you put your effort into something positive then everything else falls into place.

do you feel more people needs to speak up when they need help, regardless if its mental health, addiction or homelessness etc, & how important to do you feel more people should speak out?

Yes more people should speak about it, it happens to a lot of people all over the UK and that’s a fact if you look into it. It’s a tough subject for some people to talk about but out of the one million people who may come across your story just one may change the way they think. If that’s not worth telling your story then I don’t know what is.


Thank you for speaking with me today, I wish you nothing but bright things in the future, We’ll probably meet up again in the near future and you will probably tell me your movie about your life is in production. haha

Haha, i plan on writing a book first, I’ll keep you posted.


I didn't want to make and have this interview as a form of joke It's my form of making an awareness of the importance of young individuals who have easily fallen into the wormhole of Homelessness. If you're currently homeless now I will provide you some information you can look at or get in contact with and they can find you either shelter accommodation or potentially be able to find you housing.




Access a specialist service
Access a specialist service If you or someone you know needs support and advice on emotional matters, your rights, money, domestic violence, benefits or being 16-25 years old and homeless, these organisations can help.

Legal advice
Citizen's Advice - 03454 04 05 06
Asylum Advice UK - 0808 8000 630

Health & wellbeing
The Samaritans - 116 123

Financial advice
The Money Advice Service - 0800 138 7777

Domestic abuse
National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0800 2000 247
Men's Advice Line - 0808 801 0327


Find people
Missing People - 116 000
Young People (aged 16-25)

Centrepoint - 0808 800 0661
The Mix - 0808 808 4994

LGQBT (aged 16-25)
Albert Kennedy Trust - 020 7831 6562