From Homelessness to Trustee: Charlotte's Journey

0:00It's April 16th. Welcome to Lester News Today, powered by AI. I'm Kory with the story. Charlotte Harris from Thermiston hit a full circle moment after being homeless at 14, due to a family breakdown. Now at 33, she's at trustee at Falcon Support Services, the Lester Shire charity that helped her rebuild her life when she was 16. Falcon has spent 20 years providing housing and support to folks facing homelessness and other challenges, helping them gain independence. Charlotte also leads workforce health and well-being at Lester Shire partnership, NHS Trust, working across the health system. She pushes back on stereotypes linking homelessness only to drugs, pointing out real triggers like mental health struggles, housing shortages, and the cost of living crunch affecting everyday people. Right now, Charlotte's joining the CEO sleep-out fundraiser on April 16th at Lester Tigers Matioli Wood Stadium. Over 50 participants will sleep rough, from 8 p.m. till 6 a.m. next morning to raise cash and spotlight the issue.

1:02Stories like hers remind us, change as possible, and events like this keep the momentum going for real support in the community.