From sleeping rough to a home near family: Carl’s story with Barnet Homes and Homefinder UK

When Carl was sleeping rough, finding a home felt impossible. He needed somewhere to live, but staying within reach of his family and children mattered too.

After his housing officer at Barnet Homes introduced him to Homefinder UK, Carl found a possible route forward. With support from our case management team, he worked through setbacks and eventually moved into a one-bedroom housing association flat, close enough to see his family regularly.

The challenge: finding a home within reach of family

Carl was homeless and out of work when he sought housing support. Alongside other housing options, his housing officer at Barnet Homes suggested exploring Homefinder UK.

Initially, Carl was doubtful. He worried that another application process would mean more waiting, with no certainty of finding a home. Seeing properties advertised across England also raised concerns about moving far from his children and family.

Then, while browsing again, he spotted properties within around 45 minutes of them. That encouraged him to register and express interest in a home.

The support: guidance through the setbacks

A Homefinder UK case manager contacted Carl to explain the property’s letting requirements and guide him through the information he needed to provide.

Carl described his case manager as “a ball of energy”. With clear advice and encouragement, he prepared the paperwork and completed his application.

However, the housing provider subsequently allocated the property internally. His case manager identified another option in the same area, but that home also became unavailable when it was needed for an emergency internal allocation.

With both applications falling through, Carl began to lose hope and was hesitant to try again. His case manager found another suitable property and confirmed its availability before helping him apply.

This time, his application led to a viewing and, ultimately, a home of his own.

Having a home has also brought relief after a difficult and uncertain period.

The outcome: a home near the people who matter

Carl now lives in a one-bedroom housing association flat, with everyday amenities nearby. He can see his family and children regularly, and they can visit him too.

For Carl, the journey to getting a new home involved frustration, uncertainty and finding the confidence to try again. His message to others facing a difficult housing journey is simple:

How Homefinder UK can help

Carl’s experience shows why access to housing opportunities and personal support need to work together. Finding a property was one part of his journey. Understanding the requirements, completing applications and having someone help him explore alternatives were also important.

Homefinder UK is a national housing mobility service that helps people explore available housing beyond their local area. Homefinder UK sources properties from across the UK – so sometimes the housing options are quite some distance away. For eligible applicants from member councils and housing associations, our case management team provides practical support throughout the moving process.

This includes discussing preferred locations and housing needs, identifying suitable properties, sourcing funds to finance removals, deposits and furniture, helping with applications and references, arranging viewings and keeping everyone involved informed.

For local authorities, our service offers an additional route to help households move out of homelessness or temporary accommodation.

For housing associations, we help match available properties with suitable applicants and coordinate the letting process.

Carl’s journey shows the difference that continued, personal support can make: helping someone move from uncertainty to a home where they can begin looking ahead.