George’s Year At Rentstart

My year at Rentstart has been a fantastic experience. I initially found out about Rentstart after spending some time volunteering at another homelessness charity in Clapham. It didn’t take long for me to realise that working in the homelessness sector was where my passion was. When I heard about Rentstart, and its strong sense of community I was immediately interested. Since the day I started, the entire team has been incredibly supportive, helping me learn about the sector and develop my professional skills.

I began my time at Rentstart as an intern. What started as an opportunity to gain some experience quickly turned into something much more meaningful. Shortly after I began, I was offered the role of Operations Coordinator, which has allowed me to get involved in many aspects of the charity’s function. From administrative support to coordinating events and working directly with our clients, this role has provided me with a unique and rewarding opportunity to contribute to the charity’s aim of ending local homelessness, while developing my own career.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job has been the chance to work alongside a team who share my passion. The dedication and patience of my colleagues have made every challenge feel like a shared goal.

Some of the highlights of my year have been truly impactful. One standout moment was attending a lobbying event hosted by Homeless Link at Parliament. It was an eye-opening experience to see how much work is being done at the national level to support those facing homelessness, and it was inspiring to be a part of that conversation. Additionally, being involved in The SleepOut event, where Rentstart raised over £30,000, was another powerful reminder of the incredible generosity of our supporters and the importance of raising awareness about homelessness.

Another memorable experience was the opportunity to write Rentstart's Annual Report. It was a chance to reflect on all the achievements of the year, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the stories of the people whose lives have been impacted by our work. Writing the report gave me a deeper appreciation for how much we do.

On a personal level, my time at Rentstart has been transformative. Not only have I developed important professional skills like time management, flexibility, communication, and public speaking, but I’ve also had the chance to grow as a person. The work we do is tough at times, but it is also rewarding.

As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for the chance to be part of an organisation like Rentstart, and grow such important skills.