Lisa signs off in style
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
One of our Co-production panel stalwarts Lisa has graduated from the service after six years advocating for the model.
Many will know Lisa from her work promoting the Housing First model. She has been an active part of the co-production panel as well as been keen to get involved in projects promoting the service to politicians and policymakers over the years.
She has also been front and centre in helping to break the stigma around homelessness, taking part in
numerous Legislative Theatre performances and providing lead vocals on the Embrace, No Disgrace track.
To mark the occasion, the team held a special ceremony during the Salford Forum with Loaves and Fishes.
Lisa received gifts and HF Worker Saj wrote a poem for the day, inspired by her life story film on this website. See the transcript at the bottom of the page or click below to watch it be delivered.
Lisa has achieved so much throughout her journey and is a true advocate for people experiencing homelessness and for the Housing First approach.
Her determination, resilience, and willingness to share her experiences have inspired many people and helped raise awareness of the positive impact Housing First can have on people's lives. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and wish her every success in the future.
She will still attend panel meetings but she has come such a long way so well done to Lisa and everyone who has played a part in her journey.
"Home In Me Again"
I had four walls once, a place I called my own.
Till the fire came and sent me out into the cold
Sleeping in the churchyard in Broughton, that felt safe.
City was too loud, too dark, I needed grace.
Second time, Third time on the street, kept reaching for the bottle
Thought about giving up, my spirit was broken
But then a voice said “Lisa, we see you”
Swinton to the Rough Sleepers, they knew what to do
They led me to Housing First, and Housing First led me home.
Other places talked at me, second-hand help.
But Housing First was hands-on, right there for myself.
Therapeutic, consistent, walked with me through the rain.
Cried a good few times, and you stayed ‘til I smiled again.
You told me “Lisa, you’re strong, you’re allowed to be”
Made me realize I’m a person, and I can be free.
Got my keys, got my peace, got my safety back.
Got a place where I belong, ain’t no turning back!
Now I’m writing poems, I’ve wrote my own song!
English Lit, Media Studies — I know where I belong!
Painting, drawing, co-production too.
Helping others tell their story helps me get through!
From Broughton churchyard to a table of my own.
From surviving to creating, I’m finally home!
All the stories, all the pain, we turn it into light
‘Cause when somebody listens, everything gets right!
No judgment, just love, and a team that never left
A team behind the team that I don’t see
Without Housing First I wouldn’t be where I am today
And today… I’m home. I’m home.
Housing First, you never gave up on me!*
You saw a person when I couldn’t see!
You put a smile back where the tears used to be!
You helped me find a home, and a home in me again!
Home in me again!
*Yeah, I’m home in me again
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