A WOMAN who became homeless at 16 has told how she transformed her life to help feed Glasgow families struggling with severe hardship.

Growing up Kirsty Butterworth never had a relationship with her parents and relied on support from her aunt.

Being badly bullied at primary and secondary school led her to become increasingly socially isolated, an argument with her aunt’s partner then saw her outcast and living on the streets.

Kirsty said: “Scary is the only way to describe being homeless – it changes you in so many ways and makes you look at things completely differently. The normal things you think about when you have a roof over your head go out the window and it’s all about protecting yourself, keeping warm, fed and staying safe. I was constantly on edge, wondering when something was going to happen. I slept during the day and walked around at night near the centre of town so that I was always close to people.

“I found some refuge in day centres – they were a place to stay warm, have something to eat and get support with my mental health, but they couldn’t help me to get a roof over my head. I was eventually housed in a supported unit, where I stayed for two years, which was the maximum length allowed.”

Kirsty ButterworthKirsty Butterworth (Image: Mark F Gibson)

After turning to Emmaus Glasgow for support, Kirsty was finally able to start rebuilding her life and confidence.

The homeless charity provides accommodation for 27 adults, along with volunteering opportunities within its two shops.

Kirsty, now 33, explained: “It was the lifeline I needed and the start of a new future. Feeling part of a community where people shared a similar experience and understood without judgment.

“Volunteering in the shops helped me to grow as a person. I was able to offer support and advice to others struggling with homelessness because I could understand what they were actually going through. I’d gone from feeling totally lost to being part of a fantastic team. It was the fresh start I needed, and quite honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without it. I’ll be forever grateful for the kindness they showed me.”

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Kirsty says she understands life for many people is more difficult than ever, with the crippling cost of living crisis still ongoing.

She added: “So many people are struggling right now to pay their bills. The cost of getting from day to day has gone through the roof, and I know first-hand just how difficult it can be to keep everything ticking over, especially when the price of daily essentials has spiralled so much.”

(Image: Mark F Gibson)

Now Kirsty is helping to feed families in the city who are struggling to cope. Along with volunteers from Emmaus, she is helped to distributed food parcels to pupils at Chirnsyde Primary School in Ashgill Road, ensuring that children do not go hungry while school is out. 

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Kirsty, who has been helping at the charity for 13 years, added: “I took part because I like to get involved in things that help others. Knowing the food is going to families who needed it is such a good feeling. We help about 200 people, which is amazing.  Each pupil receives two large bags of food so that they won’t miss out on healthy meals due to financial pressure.”

The Emmaus solidarity initiative aims to alleviate financial pressure and ensure that children have access to nutritious food during holiday periods. The parcels were assembled with contributions from local shops, bakeries and wholesalers.  

Richard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus GlasgowRichard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus Glasgow (Image: Mark F Gibson) ichard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus Glasgow

Richard Allwood, Chief Executive of Emmaus Glasgow, added: "We believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting each other, especially during tough times. By providing these parcels, we hope to ease the burden on families and ensure that no child goes hungry during summer. We are immensely grateful to the local businesses that have supported our cause and continue to help us make a positive impact in the lives of these children."

Emmaus Glasgow has a history of conducting similar initiatives during both the summer and Christmas holidays, periods that often see an increased demand for assistance as families face additional financial strain.

For more information about Emmaus Glasgow, or to find out how you can support their mission to end homelessness, click here