A FORMER homeless man from Walthamstow spoke at the Houses of Parliament about life on the streets.

At a reception organised by Homeless Link, which represents homeless charities, Leon Sobers, 26, talked about how a local Walthamstow charity had helped him get back on track.

About four years ago Mr Sobers of Marlow Road, was kicked out of the family home, after he had started hanging around with a gang.

He said: “It was my fault really.

“My mum was so scared for me and it was too much for the family to cope with.”

After nearly a year spent in and out of YMCA hostels, and visiting different homeless charities, he came into contact with Chapter 1 hostel, based in Stephen House, in Copeland Road.

They were able to provide accommodation, advice and educational support to Mr Sobers.

Following the birth of his son nearly two years ago, he decided to turn his life around, and now owns his own flat and has a regular job with a train company.

He said he was keen to speak at the event on Tuesday (March 22), because of the help he had received from Chapter 1.

Mr Sobers added: “I was really honoured.

“I just think about how different my life would have been if they had not helped me.

“All these homeless charities do such an important work and it is important for them to keep going.”

Stephen House is a 15-room project which works in partnership with Waltham Forest Council to provide accommodation and support for young single people aged 17 to 30.

Since opening in 1994, it has supported almost 200 hundred young people.

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