Home Essentials Hub Series: Fumu
The Home Essentials Hub has been launched in Leicester to help those who are moving into their own home after a period of homelessness, providing people with everything they need to set up a home including white goods, furniture and flooring. This is an exciting new partnership initiative led by local Leicester charities Open Hands, Action Homeless and One Roof Leicester. It is supported by Leicester’s Homelessness Charter and funded by Leicester City Council and the National Lottery Awards for All.
You can find more information on the project here.
This series of case studies shares the stories of people who have benefitted from the support of the Home Essentials Hub.
Fumu became a resident at Action Homeless in 2024 after being found in a rough sleeping encampment in Leicester. Having spent a long period without stable accommodation, Fumu was unsure what to expect when he first moved into temporary housing. He arrived with very few belongings, little confidence, and a tendency to keep to himself. Basic day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, felt overwhelming, especially without the comfort and familiarity of his own space or possessions.
With specialised support, Fumu slowly grew into himself. Staff encouraged him to build routine, develop practical skills, and connect with other residents. Over time his confidence improved significantly, and he became more comfortable within the community. His progress allowed him a positive internal move into another property, where he felt safer, more settled, and better able to participate in daily life. In this new environment he was able to access other opportunities offered by Action Homeless, including joining the Action Homeless football team —an activity that further boosted his wellbeing, sense of belonging, and identity.
In October 2025, thanks to Fumu’s own consistent engagement, he secured his first independent tenancy. While this was an important milestone, moving into an unfurnished flat posed a significant mental health challenge. An empty property can feel stark, isolating, and disconnected from any sense of “home.”
For someone like Fumu—who had already experienced instability, loneliness, and the psychological impact of rough sleeping—this lack of comfort and basic essentials can intensify anxiety, make routines harder to maintain, and undermine the confidence he worked hard to build. The Home Essentials Hub played a crucial role in preventing this. By helping Fumu furnish his new flat, the project transformed what could have felt like an empty, unfamiliar space into a stable and welcoming environment. Having his own bed, seating, and kitchen equipment not only improved his day-to-day comfort, but also strengthened his emotional security and independence. It enabled him to cook confidently—building on the skills he developed with staff—and supported his overall wellbeing by providing a sense of dignity, ownership, and permanence.
Fumu’s journey shows the profound impact that a furnished, supportive home environment can have on someone’s mental health and long-term stability, especially after experiencing homelessness.