A fresh start for Jezz – after 14 months of sleeping rough
COUNCIL FLAT IS REWARD FOR DETERMINATION TO BEAT ALCOHOLISM AND GET LIFE ON TRACK
AFTER 14 months of living on Nottingham’s streets and in supported living, Jezz Davis has his own council home and a fresh start.
The 49-year-old told the Post how alcoholism, among other things, led to him becoming homeless in August 2017.
It was in the village of East Leake that he found himself sitting under a tree with nowhere to go, hopping into someone’s garden to quench his thirst from a garden tap.
After moving into the city tfor more support, Mr Davis continued to work in construction for two months, despite having no home to return to after a long day, instead taking the bus back to a tent by the side of Nottingham Canal.
But now Jezz has secured his own flat in Sneinton’s highrise apartment building with Nottingham City Homes.
“It’s a huge opportunity and moment for me,” he said. “I am only 50 next month, I have every intention of returning to work. This is a step towards that.”
Mr Davis has been sober, having sought refuge with the Friary in West Bridgford to get his ID, and then with Framework at Michael Varnam House on the north side of the Arboretum – a rehab centre for those with alcoholism.
He said it was the “perfect rehab”, and despite a backlog in trying to get himself a place to live, he had always hoped one would come up in the near future.
He is hoping his story will help others and change the public perception of those who live in the hidden section of society.
“I am a different case to a lot of people who become homeless,” he added. “I was 46 when I first became homeless and had worked for more than 25 years.
“It was like I was living two lives and it had a huge strain on me both physically and mentally.”
Steve Feast, director of housing at Nottingham City Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to offer Jezz a property.
“We know that the provision of good, quality affordable council housing can act as a springboard for people to move on to a positive future, and we’re looking forward to offering him the support he needs, from housing to employability services. “Congratulations, Jezz, on your new home.” Mimi Neil, assistant manager at Michael Varnam House, added: “Congratulations to Jezz. This is a massive achievement for him and due reward for his determination to succeed in overcoming the challenges he has faced. “He has maintained his recovery and fought hard to get this flat even when it seemed pointless during the pandemic.
“He has grown in himself and made a big contribution to the service and other people – helping in the garden and supporting his fellow residents.
“We’ll continue to be in touch as he’ll be supported by Framework’s tenancy sustainment service and we’ll always be here if he needs help.
“Jezz’s story is a timely reminder of the impact that specialist services like Michael Varnam House can have on the lives of homeless people in need.
“It is a tribute not only to the outstandxing work of service staff, but also to the memory of Dr Michael Varnam himself, who advocated for such a specialist alcohol service for so long.”
It’s a huge opportunity for me... I have every intention of returning to work. This is a step towards that
Jezz Davis