Stories

Phil's story

A heartbreaking loss leading to homelessness

After losing his mum, Phil* became homeless and moved into one of our supported houses. With daily staff support, he began to rebuild his life and later progressed to a move-on property.  

Rebuilding life with daily support

In the summer of 2024, Phil faced over £400 in rent arrears after a Universal Credit sanction. With guidance from his Cambridge Cyrenians project worker, he agreed to tackle his arrears head-on and committed to attending universal credit appointments. His Cyrenians project worker agreed to put him forward for reference to the council to get a higher banding if he stuck to this.  

Looking to a brighter future

Fast forward to today, Phil has zero arrears, and thanks to his hard work, and heaps of support from us – including a successful reference we put forward to the council, he is now on a Band A for housing. He is on track to start a new chapter, aiming for his own home in early 2026.  

Stories like Phil’s show what’s possible with a little bit of determination and the right support from our team.

*Name changed to protect individual’s privacy.

Renée's story

When Renée* arrived at Cambridge Cyrenians, she was carrying an enormous amount. She had been living in a women's refuge, was managing a thyroid cancer diagnosis, and was travelling regularly into Cambridge for hospital treatment and check-ups.

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Grace's story

When Grace* lost her home, she didn't know where to turn. After a period in a Refuge Hostel Arrangement, the council referred her to Cambridge Cyrenians, and since July 2025, she has been settled in our supported accommodation, beginning what has become a journey back to herself.

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Jill's story

When Jill* lost both her parents within just two and a half years, everything changed.

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News

Calling all runners! Run for Cambridge Cyrenians in the Cambridge Half Marathon

Fancy lacing up for a good cause? We're taking part in the Cambridge Half Marathon again next year, and we're looking for runners to join our team.Every step you run helps fund our work supporting people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge.

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News

Wanted: One sewing machine. Could you help?

One of our residents has recently discovered a real love for sewing, picking it up at a local class. Wanted: One sewing machine for a person experiencing homelessness. Could you help? The only thing missing is a sewing machine of his own, so he can keep practising between classes!

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News

Cambridge Cyrenians allotment awarded in The Wildlife Trust's 'Gardening Award' scheme

We are thrilled to share that our allotment has been officially recognised as a wildlife-friendly space through The Wildlife Trust Gardening Award Scheme!

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Cambridge Cyrenians 55th Anniversary Celebration & Breakfast Networking

Celebrate the 55th anniversary of Cambridge Cyrenians. Learn more about our impact and the work we have done to support people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge, network with other businesses and organisations

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Cambridge Cyrenians at Cambridge Pride 2026

Cambridge Cyrenians will be at Cambridge Pride on 13th June 2026. Come and chat to us in the Community Hive tent!

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Cambridge Cyrenians at Cambridge Half Marathon 2026

Five incredible runners will be taking on the Cambridge Half Marathon in support of Cambridge Cyrenians. Come along to cheer them on - just look for the Cambridge Cyrenians branded running t-shirts!

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