This section of the website will be partially maintained by service users of the projects offering them a chance to give an insight to life in the hostel. Below are a few stories of residents of the projects and pictures of various activities that they may be involved in on a daily basis. We would like to thank the residents for taking the time to write about the project and their experiences within them.

Resident’s thoughts and stories

If you are ever broke and homeless
and things aint going well
Just take a hike to Portadown
And call at Edward Street Hostel

The staff will treat you kindly
and things you'll find as good
The beds are soft as eiderdown
and well you, just can't beat the food

You will be an honoured guest
and they will great you swell
You will find content and rest
Down at Edward Street Hostel

And when your stay has ended
Yours friends make sure and tell
If they are ever down and disolated
Call at Edward Street Hostel

Johns Story

I came to Portadown by bus after staying with a friend for 2 days in Belfast.

When I got to Edward Street Hostel I got care and support and also got a keyworker assigned to me, to see how things were, what I was going to do about myself and also to help me back on my feet.

There are rules like no drink or drugs within the premises. I had to be there by midnight during the week and 1 am. at weekends.

I had to perform kitchen duties at least once a week.

They have a smoking and non-smoking room.

As I was on medication I had to hand it in to staff and take it as prescribed.

Once I move out of the hostel, I will get a flat in 32 Edward Street with my own bedroom and my own key to the front door. I will do my own cooking, cleaning and all the things I would normally do when living on my own.

But a good thing about this is I will get my own freedom and independence.

Simons Story

After a family life consisting of loneliness, neglect, bullying, hunger and being constantly misunderstood by the people around me and unrecognised by the state, I was referred to the hostel by my social worker.

Since then I have obtained financial independence and partial recognition by the state.

I have acquired a better quality of life for myself.

In the hostel I am fed and get the chance to meet other people of a similar age and experiences.