The following is based on an article in the local newspaper "The Comet".

 
A former resident from Stevenage Haven has, through support from staff at the charity, secured a labouring job with Airey Millar working on the new hostel development project. The 52-year-old who has fought a 30 year battle with alcohol addiction, now rents a flat in  Martins’ Wood, said:

 
“They (Stevenage Haven) were very supportive and guided me through everything. It was a very nice place to live because it felt like a real home. I got a lot of encouragement from the staff and I have restarted my career by going back into building again. It just shows you what drink does to you. I was drinking for 30 years and lost everything. I didn’t see my son for 17 years and my time there has enabled me to slowly start rebuilding these relationships. When I arrived I didn’t have much confidence because of the drink but when I left I was a completely different person and that is something that happened there. They were very positive which helped me think positively and allowed me to take a step forward.”

 
Barbara Howard, director of the Haven, said:

 
“The Haven is what it is because of the staff and volunteers and I mean that sincerely because it would be nothing without their passion and their professionalism. They are the front line and without them it wouldn’t exist.”