To think I'm not a scrounger for getting "free" furniture

[GuessImAscroungerthen]

I have 2 young kids have had to completely move area while escaping from abusive ex. Left everything behind and was homeless for weeks before (v luckily I know) being offered a small council house which I'm extremely grateful for.

I'd already been working with women's aid and social services mainly for emotional support but women's aid also gave me some laundrette vouchers when I was homeless as I was struggling with the costs of doing washing at a laundrette (£4 to wash and dry a load adds up quick when you've got v little money). Anyway, women's aid offered me a Argos voucher when I told them about getting a home which I took and social services also gave me an Argos voucher, IKEA voucher and B+Q voucher. Added together I have a bit over a thousand pounds in vouchers which has gone a huge way towards getting everything we need, I bought the cheapest things I could and budgeted to the wire to get everything, but have still spent a few hundred on top... but I have almost everything now.
I am extremely greatful for this and plan on making a large donation to several charities to pay it forward, so to speak, when I can.
I've also recently been friendly with someone in my new area, we were chatting for a bit and she asked me how I was managing to furnish my house and if ex had given me money I said no I just had some vouchers given to me by women's aid and SS, she then acted a bit miffed with me so I went home, I tried to speak to her today and she said "I don't talk to scroungers" I was very upset and asked why she said that and apparently I'm a disgrace and have no shame allowing other people to pay for my furniture? I feel very guilty now, and embarrassed. I can't believe this has made her think so little of me.
Aibu to hope I'm not a scrounger? I feel awful!

What an utter twat! You don’t need people like that in your life.

Firstly it’s got fuck all to do with her how you pay for your furniture and secondly if the community can’t rally round a family like yours in a crisis what the fuck is the world coming to!

Sorry that was a bit sweaty but your post really riled me, with friends like her, who needs enemies!

Best of luck for the future OP

*sweary not sweaty

Her behaviour speaks volumes about her. Somebody to avoid in the future. There's lots of reasons sometimes people need a bit of a leg up in life and to judge you on that really says more about her than you. Hope things are getting better for you and you are finding your feet xx

It's funny about all the comments saying it's private information.

It's so hard if you have a past. Simple questions other people can answer are really difficult. You don't want to lie but also are made to feel you would have to so talk in omissions and hesitations.

It's a shame getting vouchers is an example of this. I understand mabey it's where they came from more? I feel ashamed of my circumstances and it's very isolating not wanting to say anything.

Op don't let someone who would never have been a friend get to you. Well done for leaving. Enjoy making your new home.

no melody, it is not about being ashamed, it is about giving strangers personal information on a strictly need to know basis.
For example when I bought a flat on a council estate, and told someone I had moved from , they told me how lucky I was to get a flat, ie assuming I was a council tenant.
I just smiled and nodded. What good would it have done for her to know that I had purchased it?

I think your right fourfried. There are things you don't say. I was talking personally when I say for me it's shame.

Op says she was getting friendly with someone. Also that she was asked outright. It becomes harder. If then you were asked about how long you were on the council list and your experience ect it gets more difficult than a quick greeting scenario.

I am pretty great at just keeping things to myself though. But it also means I never say much at all for fear of questions so I need to learn to navigate this better myself.

You're not a scrounged, she's a nasty piece of work. Please don't let her knock your confidence, I know how hard it is to leave an abusive ex and you should be so very proud of yourself OP XX

She's just jealous. Obviously in a better position financially and hates to think someone else has had help. I've got her down as a Hyacinth Bouquet in my imagination.

NEVER feel like a scrounger because you are the furthest thing from one.
You are a mother, doing her best for her kids & anyone who thinks like that can FRO.

Fuck her. That's exactly what charities are set up for.

If she ever speaks to you again I'd tell her I don't speak to cunts.

She's a horrible rude person who I'm guessing has never been through a situation like yours or she might feel differently.

At least you know now she's an awful person instead of finding out a few years down the road.