A MOTHER who was homeless for two years will today be appealing for donations of food and blankets for people who are still sleeping rough.
Cheryl Morris, 36, left her home in West Bridgford in 2009 due to domestic problems.
Miss Morris said she found it hard to find council housing, and a heart problem meant she could not work.
While her mother looked after her children, now aged 15 and 16, Miss Morris stayed at different friends' homes. However, she said she was also forced to sleep on the streets.
"I slept rough about five nights throughout those two years," she added. "It was horrible. The biggest fear I had was not to be there in the morning, because there are some nasty people out there at night.
"You can't really sleep at night, because you're constantly scared of what might happen and you don't know what's around the corner.
"My kids didn't know what I was going through but they understand it now."
With the help of Framework, Miss Morris found a flat which did not require a deposit.
She moved into her current home in St Cuthberts Road, Sneinton, in May.
"Having a home has completely changed my life and I am so grateful for Framework for all their help. They provided me with a list of properties which didn't require a deposit.
"I was not able to pay a deposit, so that really helped.
"The first flat I saw was pretty bad – the toilet was broken and the kitchen hadn't been fitted properly, but this one was the second I viewed."
To give something back, Miss Morris will be collecting donations for homeless people outside Wilkinson's, Main Street, Bulwell, from 2pm today.
Her appeal has already filled three boxes with non-perishable foods but she hopes to get many more donations.
More than 30 people have pledged their support for today's event, which will feature Miss Morris and four friends collecting in Framework T-shirts.
Framework fundraising manager Louise Darby said: "We are so pleased to have Cheryl collecting on Framework's behalf. Her story proves what vulnerable people can achieve when they are given the right kind of help."
"Many of the people we have helped in the past retain long-term connections with us – by raising money, volunteering, or even working with us full time. We are very proud of our work and people like Cheryl remind us all just how important that work is."
There are seven rough sleepers in the city, compared to ten last year, says the city council.
Framework's Christmas campaign is raising money to prevent people from losing their homes. To donate, text ROOF13 £5 to 70070.
The Post is running its Five Tons of Tins campaign to boost food bank stocks by Christmas. Call reporter Emily Winsor on 0115 9051951 or e-mail emily.winsor@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk to find out how to help.
