Osian Glyn Morris shares his inspiring story of overcoming homelessness and building a better life for his family
Lampeter: Osian Glyn Morris has faced homelessness more times than he can remember. He’s been through a lot, from sofa surfing to living in hostels. It’s been a tough ride, but he never lost hope.
Growing up, Osian dealt with bullying and dropped out of school at 12. By 15, he was partying and experimenting with drugs. Despite not having formal qualifications, he became self-employed and started several businesses, thanks to his determination and problem-solving skills.
His journey hasn’t been easy. He faced drug issues and even got arrested. But recently, he became a dad and is now focused on creating a positive life for his family.
Osian recalls his youth, saying he learned from his mistakes. He tried various jobs, from performing arts to hairdressing, but often found himself homeless due to unstable living situations. He’s been lucky not to sleep on the streets, but hostel life was still challenging.
At 18, he launched his first business, but debt caught up with him. After a stint in Narcotics Anonymous, he faced homelessness for the first time. He stayed with a friend in a damp basement before finding his own place, but the struggle continued.
He’s lived in hostels like Nos Da in Cardiff, where he stashed his belongings to keep them safe. Osian acknowledges that while he hasn’t experienced the worst of homelessness, it’s still been tough not having a stable place to call home.
After a rough patch with drugs, he got arrested three times in a month, which he calls a turning point. He shifted his focus to entrepreneurship, selling various items and doing odd jobs to make ends meet.
When he moved to Cardiff, he faced financial struggles but kept pushing forward. He learned about street promotion and started his own cleaning company during the pandemic, which gave him the confidence to grow his business.
Now, Osian lives with his partner and their baby daughter, Isla. He’s determined to turn his life around and inspire others to do the same. He believes that no matter where you start, it’s possible to change your path.
Osian’s last experience with homelessness during the pandemic was a wake-up call. He knew he had to make a change, and moving in with his partner helped him get back on track.
As he plans to move to the Isle of Wight for a quieter life, he’s excited about new opportunities. He wants to create events and support local businesses while building a better future for his family.
He emphasizes that life lessons come from experiences, not just formal education. Osian believes that those who have faced challenges often have unique perspectives that can lead to understanding and growth.
Homelessness is a growing issue, with many facing hidden homelessness due to the cost of living crisis and lack of support. Osian’s story sheds light on the struggles many face and the resilience needed to overcome them.