Many reasons can result in a person becoming homeless. For example, landlord selling the property, eviction notices, rent arrears, domestic abuse, high accommodation costs, unemployment, family breakdown or relationship break-ups. Mr Smith's homelessness was unexpected as is sometimes the case.
In 2017 he visited his family in Jamaica, however, when he returned home his partner ended the relationship and asked him to move out of their home. He was completely stunned because his partner's action was unexpected.
The end of the relationship resulted in three long difficult years of homelessness. He sofa-surfed and slept on the streets in unsafe places such as car parks.
Lewisham Council like many other local authorities has a long waiting list. So, a housing officer referred Mr Smith to Homefinder UK. The national mobility scheme through which, he could access permanent social housing much quicker than the council could provide.
It only took two weeks from his first point of contact for the case manager to find a property in Wolverhampton that matched his needs. The one-bedroom flat provided by Sanctuary Housing had even undergone maintenance work before Mr Smith moved in.
"I am so thankful for the superb work and support from the Homefinder UK team in finding me a permanent accommodation. My new property is amazing, and I will be forever grateful to the team, especially to my case manager, Nicola" says Smith.
Are you sofa-surfing, without a place to call home? If your council is one of our registered members, our case management team can help you find social housing that matches your needs. Contact us on 0207 619 9705 or email [email protected].
