The week in numbers
Housing Crisis Team
35 Drop-in visits
5 New registrations
Supported Accommodation
30 1-2-1 Support Sessions
9.2 hours in-person support
8.2 hours phone/text support
Drug and Alcohol Support
6 Attendee to drop-in sessions
30 People met during outreach sessions
The Story of Derek *
Derek (64) was living in a flat in an affordable homes scheme, but when his independent finances ran out and without an understanding of the benefit system he was struggling to make ends meet, at which point he was served with an eviction notice.
Once we’d got to know Derek, we began the process from the ground up. Our first task was to apply for the relevant benefits and pension credits, including a back-dated claim for housing costs to clear his debts.
Due to his age, he was eligible for a place on the housing register, which we helped him with, and he began to bid for self-contained properties, while staying at the Winter Night Shelter.
After several weeks of disappointment, Derek agreed to consider accommodation with shared facilities, and we expanded our search to include shared private rental properties. He moved from the shelter to a local temporary accommodation hotel then into a private rent and finally into sheltered accommodation.
Through working with us Derek was able to secure a modest income, clear his debts and find an affordable, long-term housing solution.
