"René has helped me out so much, they've really changed my life. It just feels like a dream."

When we first shared Foxy's story with you last year, he was making incredible progress but still working towards his ultimate goal of independent living.

Today, we're so happy to share that Foxy has achieved what once seemed impossible, he's now sitting in his own place, completely independent, with his life completely turned around for the better.
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The Full Circle Moment

Just three years ago, Foxy's life was defined by a lot of uncertainty.

Years of sofa-surfing, battling addiction, and struggling with mental health challenges had left him without stable housing or steady employment.

The constant movement from place to place, sofa-surfing at friends houses, and the overwhelming nature of his struggles made it seem like stability was a very far-away dream.

But dreams have a way of becoming reality when you find the right support, and you're given a second chance.

Three Years with René House

Foxy spent three years with us at René House, in one of our support accommodation properties over in Hucknall, and what a journey it's been!

When he first arrived, he was taking things one day at a time, learning to trust in the possibility of stability.

That part-time job he had when we last spoke? It became full-time work. The savings he was carefully putting aside then grew into the deposit he needed for his own place.

Along the way, Foxy really learnt to invest in himself and build his future. He completed a Level 2 qualification, proving that when someone has the stability and support they need, there's no limit to what they can achieve.
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More Than Just Housing

Foxy's story perfectly demonstrates what we mean when we say René House provides more than just accommodation.

Yes, we gave him a safe and steady place to call home during those crucial three years. But more importantly, we provided him with the stability he needed to rebuild his relationship with himself, develop new skills, and slowly but surely work towards independence.

The man who once described his life as being "here, there, and everywhere" now has strong roots. The person who struggled to maintain employment now holds down full-time work, at a place he loves. The individual who was sofa-surfing just a few years ago is now sitting in his own living room, in his own place, planning his own future.

The Power of Patience and Perseverance

Foxy's journey at René House wasn't about quick fixes or shortcuts. It was about having the time and space needed to heal, grow, and prepare for independence properly.

Three years might seem like a long time for some, but for Foxy, it was exactly what he needed.

He embraced stability, saved every penny, and worked consistently towards his goal. There were no handouts, no easy paths – just the right support at the right time, combined with his own determination to change his story and lean into the support sessions.

When Foxy says "it just feels like a dream," we understand exactly what he means. For someone who experienced years of instability, having your own key, and your own space, must feel surreal.
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Why Stories Like Foxy's Matter

Foxy's transformation reminds us why we do what we do at René House (as it's easy to forget sometimes throughout all the business and challenges).

Every single person who walks through our doors has the potential for this kind of change, and every individual deserves the chance to move from a survival mode to truly living.

His journey from homelessness to independence, from addiction to stability, from uncertainty to having his own place, shows what's possible when we invest in people rather than just managing the problems of homelessness - because that's what's going to change the problem in the long-run.
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Looking Forward

As Foxy settles into his new independent life, we couldn't be prouder of how far he's come.

From that adventurous guy who loved walking and swimming but had nowhere stable to call home, to a qualified, employed man living independently – his transformation has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he's stayed an absolutely genuinely lovely guy throughout it all.

His story gives real hope to everyone currently staying with us, everyone on our waiting list, and everyone who believes that with the right support, people can and do change their lives completely.

We're honored to have been a part of Foxy's journey and grateful that he continues to share his story with such openness and honesty.

Foxy's story represents just one of many transformations happening at René House. If you'd like to support more stories like his, or if you're someone who needs the kind of support Foxy received, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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