Mohammed Ahmed, 38, known as Mo, fled war-torn Iraq in 2008 and spent years homeless or couch surfing in Wigan. After finally receiving official documents in 2020 allowing him to work, he now has a fully furnished flat through a Wigan Council programme, describing his past as 'black' but now seeing 'light in the dark'.
Mo waited over a decade for asylum, living on the streets and walking daily from Leigh to Tyldesley. He was helped by The Brick charity, which provided shelter and eventually a flat. 'The Brick helped me a lot, they offered me a flat - it was really suitable and perfect for me,' he said.
The council's project, launched in 2021, has reduced rough sleepers from over 30 in 2017 to just four as of November last year. Mo is one of 11 success stories. Upon receiving his flat, he was 'too excited to sleep' and danced all night.
Mo now attends college to learn English and plans to find work. He has also contacted the Red Cross to locate his mother and sister, whom he hasn't seen since leaving Iraq. 'My plan is to go forward, not to go back,' he said.
