Recently a property management company was forced into liquidation by the High Court. The company were known to us and we had, in good faith, placed several people in HMO properties that they managed.
Once the liquidation process began, the landlords immediately repossessed their properties (around 100 of various use), and for those in residential settings that meant eviction.
It was at this point that the Housing Crisis Team’s phones started to ping. Text messages and phone calls flooded in from shocked, angry, bewildered and upset people informing us of their situations.
Enforcement officers remained posted at the entrance to the property with instructions not to let anyone re-enter, and the team immediately went to work. By speaking to representatives, contacts and solicitors we were able to stay up to date on the events of the day with the assurance that the people we advocate for would be able to access their belongings before the end of the day.
The quick work of the team and legal advisors working the case ensured that every resident was able to gather their things, but the eviction order stood.
As the following days unfolded and information trickled down to us it became clear that the evictions would be permanent and the work began to find new and suitable accommodation for each of the evictees. The levels of success have been varied with the majority of residents re-housed but some, sadly, still on the streets.
The events that unfolded were far beyond the control of the tenants, the sudden evictions were extremely traumatic, and the stability and security of their housing shattered despite the tenants never falling into arrears and working hard to rebuild their lives beyond the experience of homelessness.
I am reminded, once again, of the impact of the work we do, existing in a gap in social support and providing solutions for the people who are, in terms of statute, the lowest priority.
We can all suffer the fallout of events beyond our control and with a support network around us we can find a way back to stability. For the single people we support we are that network.
You can ensure that we continue to be there.
Join the Big Sleep Out on the 10th of October this year and help us hit our fundraising target of £30,000 to cover the cost of a frontline support worker for a full year, providing one-to-one support for hundreds of people.
Register now: https://kcah.org.uk/big-sleep-out-registration/