Irina has spent years supporting Newham’s local community in London. She works as a sign language interpreter, helping deaf residents access services and take part in everyday life. Before that, she ran a charity and worked closely with Newham Council to secure funding for projects supporting local families.

But in 2023, Irina’s own housing situation changed unexpectedly and she found herself without a stable place to live. Despite working and contributing locally, she struggled to secure a new private rented home and was left without anywhere permanent to go.

A sudden housing crisis

What followed was a long and stressful period of sofa surfing between friends and family, alongside the pressure of work, studying and caring responsibilities. Like many people, Irina never expected homelessness could happen to her, especially while working and contributing so actively in her borough.

“I hadn’t slept properly for about two years,” she said. “I was constantly travelling, constantly worried, constantly trying to make things work.”

Irina was travelling across London for work and trying to keep up with her training and studies at the same time. Without a stable base, even day to day routines became difficult, and the stress quickly took its toll on her wellbeing.

Hearing about the key worker scheme

Irina first heard about Local Space, which provides safe, stable, affordable homes for people in housing need, through colleagues at Newham Council, who encouraged her to apply for the key worker scheme. She had worked in the borough for years, supporting council-led initiatives and community projects, and her colleagues believed she was exactly the kind of person the scheme was designed to help.

Irina completed the application, but because she was self-employed and did not have a single full-time contract, she needed to provide additional evidence of her work and contribution to Newham.

To do this, she reached out to staff and councillors she had worked with and asked them to write letters in support of her application. In total, she gathered seven letters and sent them to Local Space.

“It was stressful, but I knew I had to do it,” she said. “I’ve done so much work in Newham and I needed to stay local.”

Staying persistent

After Local Space approved her application, Irina joined the waiting list. She knew demand was high, but she also knew she could not afford to stay in limbo. During this time, she was travelling across London for work, studying to qualify as a sign language interpreter and supporting her parents as a carer.

So, she stayed persistent. Every month, she called or emailed to ask for an update. Irina said: “I know I was on their case, but the list was so long and I was desperate to find a home.”

When a studio property became available, Irina viewed it, but it was not suitable for her needs because, as an interpreter, she often works from home and needs more space. Rather than accept a home that would not work long term, she made the difficult decision to return to the waiting list and keep searching.

A place to call home

Around a year later, Local Space contacted Irina with another opportunity. The property was still being prepared and repairs were underway, but she was invited to view it.

“As soon as I saw it, I knew I was going to say yes,” she said. “It had a lovely kitchen and lots of other features. I was overwhelmed and relieved. I felt calm for the first time in years.”

Irina now lives in a ground floor flat in a low rise building near Beckton. With the DLR and Elizabeth line close by, she is well connected to Stratford, Newham and wider London. For Irina, this has made a major difference, both personally and professionally, giving her back time, energy and stability.

“It’s perfect,” she said. “It’s close to work, close to transport and I can finally just focus again.”

Rebuilding confidence and wellbeing

Having a stable home has helped Irina rebuild her health, her confidence and her career. Since moving in, she has completed her training and is now a fully qualified sign language interpreter. She says the biggest change has been the ability to close the door and feel safe in her own space, without the constant anxiety of not knowing what comes next.

“It’s the foundation that I’ve needed,” she said. “I can come home, I can breathe and I’m not constantly stressed. It’s helped my mental health so much.”

Irina describes Local Space as responsive and supportive, particularly during her move in period when she experienced some early challenges.

“If there’s an issue, they will try to help,” she said. “They’ve been understanding and supportive.”

Looking ahead

Irina is now part of Local Space’s scrutiny group, helping to raise issues around repairs and ensuring residents’ voices are heard. She feels it is important that tenants have the confidence to speak up, especially when issues relate to safety, wellbeing and standards.

She is also clear about what she would say to anyone in a similar position.

“Be persistent,” she said. “If you really need it, make your name known. It might be frustrating, but you have to keep going.”

For Irina, the impact of having a home through Local Space is simple.

“I don’t even want to think about where I’d be without it,” she said. “I would have probably have had to have left London and this is definitely where I want to be.”