A client, having experienced homelessness for around 7-8 years, recently approached our MoneyWise Living adviser to find out how to move on from Action Homeless, what expectations there were for him and also to gain an understanding of the housing sector and the chances of being homed.
During this time, the client had not held a permanent tenancy and faced significant challenges in navigating the housing sector, after sofa-surfing with family members and friends in both Leicester and London.
The client’s main goal was to secure stable housing, and he also wanted help and advice on the logistics of setting up home, such as registering for utilities and how to manage his finances in the future.
Find the courage to ask for support
Our client shares with us: “Being homeless reminded me of everything I was running away from, and staying at the hostel gave me a bit of stability and groundwork to where I wanted to be in the future.
“I finally got the courage to admit I was homeless and sought out help and support. Sofa-surfing since I left home because of a hostile environment, I have never had the chance to grow. I have ADHD, which I manage well, but this impacts my day-to-day life and not having my own space sometimes makes this difficult.”
He also has the added motivation of having a one-year-old son, which has made finding housing an absolute priority - somewhere he can grow, develop and create a space where his son can come and visit him independently, in a place called home.
Practical help, real-life impact
The client continues: “My adviser helped me to see that there were options for alternative housing outside of the council bidding system, which I did not know about. They helped me to register and apply for properties, and I was offered a flat. They helped me with everything, from property applications through to settling in.
“I did not understand anything about tariffs, kilowatt, hours and pence, and I was confused as to which tariff to go for, but my adviser explained everything and helped me pick the best one. I received a bill in the post that I didn’t understand and was a lot higher than expected. I called my adviser and they booked in to see me the next day. We called the energy company and they rectified the problem and re-issued the correct bill.
“My adviser also got me a grant for a bike through the MyPlace referral scheme, which has really helped in getting around the area easier.”
A home, a bed, and a fresh start
The client shares how having a safe home, practical support, and someone who truly listened transformed their life—helping them build confidence, independence, and stability for the future: “I have never had my own home - or my own bed - for years. I now have a home.
“The biggest help and support I had was that my adviser set me up well in the property. I am able to sustain my tenancy and happy that I know how to make financial savings through energy and general budgeting.
“I am now independent and getting on with my life and have gained a lot of confidence.”
Overall, he comments: “I finally felt listened to and that someone who did not know me at all believed in me and help me to achieve something beyond my expectations.
“Being on the MoneyWise Living project has opened up doors for me quicker than I ever would have expected, and in the best possible way.”
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