Kirsty Rose

From Homelessness to Hollywood

Homelessness is often hidden behind closed doors, quiet struggles, and silent battles. For many young people, it’s not just about lacking a roof over their heads — it’s about feeling unseen, unheard, and uncertain about the future. But what if we told you that some of the world’s most successful and admired individuals once stood in those very same shoes?

Their stories are not just tales of fame and fortune — they are powerful reminders that resilience, support, and belief in oneself can lead to extraordinary transformation.

Famous People Who Overcame Homelessness

Halle Berry

Before winning an Academy Award, Halle Berry found herself sleeping in a homeless shelter and later at a YMCA in New York City. Her mother refused to send money, believing Berry needed to learn independence. That tough love became a turning point, fueling her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Jim Carrey

The beloved comedian and actor lived in a VW van with his family and later in a tent on his sister’s lawn. Despite these hardships, Carrey used humor as a coping mechanism — a gift that would later become his career.

Jennifer Lopez

At 18, Lopez left home after a disagreement with her mother about pursuing dance. She slept on a sofa in her dance studio, determined to follow her passion. Within a year, she landed a role on In Living Color and launched her career.

Daniel Craig

Before becoming James Bond, Craig slept on park benches while trying to break into acting. His story is a testament to perseverance and the power of chasing your dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Hilary Swank

Swank and her mother lived in their car and squatted in empty houses while she auditioned for roles. Her grit paid off — she went on to win two Academy Awards.

Chris Pratt

Before starring in Jurassic World, Pratt lived in a van in Hawaii, working minimal hours and living off the land. A chance encounter with a director changed everything, proving that opportunity can come when you least expect it.

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What These Stories Teach Us

These individuals didn’t just survive homelessness — they transformed their lives. Their journeys show that circumstances don’t define your future. With support, courage, and opportunity, anyone can rise above adversity. But not everyone has a Hollywood ending — and that’s where YMCA Norfolk steps in.

How YMCA Norfolk Supports Young People

At YMCA Norfolk, we work every day to ensure young people have the safe spaces, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive. Whether it’s through supported housing, mental health services, or skills development, we’re here to walk alongside young people as they build brighter futures.

We believe that every young person deserves a chance — not just to survive, but to flourish.

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Learn More & Get Involved

If you or someone you know is facing homelessness or struggling to find a way forward, you’re not alone. Get in touch to learn more about our services, success stories, and how you can support our mission.

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Contact us at info@ymcanorfolk.org
Visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/legacies for more information.

Together, we can build a future where every young person in Norfolk has the chance to thrive.

Have you ever thought about the legacy you’ll leave behind?

Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured. But it’s also a powerful opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. By leaving a gift in your will to YMCA Norfolk, you can help transform the lives of vulnerable young people of Norfolk for generations to come.

Why Writing a Will Matters

Many people put off writing a will, but it’s a vital step in planning for the future. A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can help avoid unnecessary stress for your family during a difficult time.

Including a charitable gift—no matter the size—can also be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make.

How Your Legacy Gift Helps YMCA Norfolk

YMCA Norfolk supports young people across the county who are facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and barriers to education or employment. A gift in your will could help us:

• Provide safe, supported accommodation for young people in crisis.
• Offer mental health and wellbeing services to those struggling with anxiety, trauma, or isolation.
• Deliver life skills training and employability programmes to help young people build brighter futures.
• Create inclusive community spaces where young people feel valued, heard, and empowered.

Every legacy gift—large or small—helps us continue this vital work and plan for the future with confidence.

Why Local Support Matters

YMCA Norfolk is deeply rooted in the local community. We understand the unique challenges facing young people in Norwich and across the county. Your support stays local, directly impacting the lives of young people in your neighbourhood.

By remembering YMCA Norfolk in your will, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving hope, stability, and opportunity to the next generation.

How to Leave a Gift in Your Will

Leaving a legacy gift to YMCA Norfolk is simple—and now, even easier.

We’ve partnered to offer a free will-writing service through our website, so you can create your will online at no cost. Visit ymcanorfolk.org/legacies to get started today.

When writing your will, you can choose to leave:

• A fixed amount (known as a pecuniary gift)
• A percentage of your estate (a residuary gift)
• A specific item, such as property or shares

To include YMCA Norfolk, simply use our full name and charity number:

YMCA Norfolk
Registered Charity Number: 801606

We always recommend speaking to a solicitor to ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally sound.

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Let’s Talk

If you’re thinking about leaving a gift in your will or would like to chat about how your legacy could help young people in Norfolk, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact us at info@ymcanorfolk.org
Visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/legacies for more information.

Together, we can build a future where every young person in Norfolk has the chance to thrive.

“Why don’t they just get a job?”

It’s a phrase too often said when young people are facing homelessness — a phrase rooted in misunderstanding, and one that ignores the complex barriers these individuals face every day. At YMCA Norfolk, we know the truth: most young people experiencing homelessness would love nothing more than a job, a stable life, and the chance to move forward. But for many, the odds are stacked against them long before they even begin.

The Hidden Barriers

Getting a job isn’t just about filling out an application. Most employers require:

• A fixed address
• A contact number or email
• Transport to and from work
• Clean clothes for interviews
• Confidence to speak about your experience and skills
• Support to even believe you’re worthy of the opportunity

For a young person sofa-surfing, sleeping in a tent, or staying in temporary accommodation, these things aren’t a given — they’re a luxury. Add in mental health challenges, lack of support from family, or past trauma, and it becomes even clearer why “just getting a job” isn’t a quick fix.

Building the Foundations First

That’s why at YMCA Norfolk, we don’t just offer housing — we provide wraparound support that helps young people rebuild their lives. One of the most impactful projects we offer is Life Ready, Work Ready.

Through this programme, young people are supported to:

• Build life skills like cooking, budgeting and time management
• Gain confidence through group work and mentorship
• Learn employability skills, from CV writing to interview prep
• Explore hobbies and passions to build self-esteem and motivation

It’s not just about getting a job — it’s about getting ready for life.

Real People, Real Change

We’ve seen young people arrive with nothing but a small backpack and leave with qualifications, full-time work, and their own tenancy. All they needed was the right support, someone to believe in them, and a chance to reset.

Homelessness shouldn’t mean hopelessness.

So next time you hear someone say, “just get a job,” remind them of what it really takes — and how together, through compassion and understanding, we can help build a future that every young person deserves.

Learn more about our work and read real stories from young people we’ve supported:
https://www.ymcanorfolk.org/case-studies

And if you’d like to support our Life Ready, Work Ready programme or get involved, visit:
https://www.ymcanorfolk.org

Emma Freeman, a former YMCA Norfolk resident and now a successful homeowner and professional, is preparing to take on a breathtaking challenge in support of the charity that changed her life. On 25th June 2025, Emma will be skydiving from 13,000 feet to raise vital funds for YMCA Norfolk, a charity close to her heart.

Emma’s story is one of strength and transformation. At 17, she found herself homeless just as she was about to sit her A-Levels. It was YMCA Norfolk that stepped in, securing her supported lodgings and helping her apply for the benefits she needed to stay in education and survive.

“Without YMCA Norfolk, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Emma shared. “They gave me the stability and support I needed at the most critical time in my life. I’ve since built a great career, bought my own home, and now I want to give something back.”

Emma, who now works at Aviva, is paying for the skydive herself—ensuring 100% of donations go directly to YMCA Norfolk.

YMCA Norfolk, like many charities, continues to face enormous pressures due to over a decade of austerity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Funds raised by Emma will help support more young people facing homelessness across Norfolk—offering them the same lifeline she once received.

“Charities like YMCA Norfolk are struggling more than ever,” Emma said. “I want to do what I can to ensure others have the same chance I had.” Support Emma’s skydive and help transform young lives by donating here:
https://gofund.me/cf548f98

YMCA Norfolk is proud to announce that its inspirational ambassador, Andrew Hadley, will be taking on a phenomenal 104-mile walk along the Norfolk Coastal Path this June — all to raise vital funds for young people experiencing homelessness.

Starting on Saturday 1st June at YMCA Community Housing in King’s Lynn, Andrew will walk the length of the stunning Norfolk coast, finishing on Wednesday 11th June in Hunstanton. At 72 years old, Andrew is no stranger to a challenge — and his determination to support young people is stronger than ever.

This ten-day trek will take Andrew through some of Norfolk’s most scenic locations, as he highlights the urgent need to support vulnerable young people and raise awareness around youth homelessness. So far, he has already raised an incredible £20,000 and hopes to hit £25,000 by the time he crosses the finish line.

“This isn’t just a walk,” says Andrew. “It’s a way to make a difference — to give young people in Norfolk the chance to build a better future. YMCA Norfolk changes lives, and I want to do my bit to support their work.”

YMCA Norfolk provides housing, support, training and wellbeing services to young people across the county. Fundraising efforts like Andrew’s ensure that they can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for those most in need.

Donations can be made at – JustGiving Andrew Hadley
www.justgiving.com/page/100-norfolk-coastal-walk

YMCA Norfolk would like to invite the public to follow Andrew’s journey, cheer him on along the way, and help spread the word. Every step he takes is a step closer to ending youth homelessness.