Overcoming Homelessness with STN Support
Client Profile
- Name: EB
- Age:65
- Nationality: English
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Health Issues: high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression
Background
EB, aged 65, had been facing homelessness for over a decade. Despite his proactive efforts, he received no assistance from council workers and felt he had exhausted all options. After experiencing a divorce, EB relinquished his property and resorted to sofa-surfing, eventually leading to living in his car when it broke down.
Challenges:
- Long-standing homelessness
- Lack of assistance from council workers
- Financial instability
STN Intervention:
- Initial Assessment: Upon approaching STN, EB expressed his desperation for help and his reluctance to seek further assistance. STN conducted a thorough assessment of his situation.
- Benefits Review: STN analyzed EB’s benefits and identified potential entitlement to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and housing benefit.
- Caseworker Assistance: STN facilitated contact with the council and arranged for EB to be assigned a caseworker. Despite initial difficulties in communication, STN persisted in reaching out to the caseworker, including alerting EB’s case to the MP of his district.
- Private Renting: Recognizing the urgency of EB’s situation, STN advised him to explore renting privately, with the council acting as a guarantor and utilizing DSS income for rent payments.
- Property Search: STN provided resources for property searches, including recommending Open Rent, a website with filters for properties accepting DSS income.
- Communication Facilitation: When initial attempts to contact the caseworker were unsuccessful, STN escalated the matter by involving the MP and housing team, ultimately prompting a response.
- Property Secured: With STN’s continued support, EB successfully secured a one-bedroom studio flat. STN facilitated communication between the caseworker and the landlord to finalize the tenancy agreement.
Outcome:
EB is now a tenant in a stable accommodation and has expressed gratitude for the ongoing support provided by STN. While his housing situation has been resolved, STN continues to assist EB with navigating other challenges, such as council tax payment.
Conclusion:
Through collaborative efforts and perseverance, EB’s journey from homelessness to secure housing stands as a testament to the impact of effective advocacy and support provided by STN.