Supporting Laura Murray through Housing Challenges
Client Profile
- Name: FC
- Family: Husband (self-employed in maintenance), three children
- Housing Situation: Living in a private rental property for 9 years
- Complications: Landlord selling the house, feeling discriminated by agencies, has a dog, on part benefits
Background
FC, a long-term tenant in a private rental property for nine years, faces a sudden and stressful situation as her landlord needs to sell the house. Despite a good relationship with her landlady, FC is struggling to find a new place to live and has not spoken to anyone about her predicament. She feels discriminated against by rental agencies due to her situation, which includes having a dog and being on part benefits. FC’S husband is self-employed, and they have three children who are affected by the uncertainty of their living situation.
Initial Concerns
FC feels that rental agencies are not considering her seriously, as they judge her situation based on her paperwork. She is concerned that her dog and partial benefit status are significant obstacles to securing a new rental property. This discrimination has left her feeling frustrated and worried, impacting her children as they express anxiety about where they will live. FC has reached out to the ‘Enfield property team’ for a list of agencies and small property information but fears ending up in temporary council accommodation in less desirable areas.
Support Provided
During our initial contact, we advised FC to reach out to several organizations for support and information:
1. Housing Options:
- We recommended that FC contact the Enfield Council Housing Options and Advice Team for guidance on her housing situation.
- Suggested she call Citizens Advice for legal advice and support regarding her housing rights and options.
2. Stand Together Network (STN):
- Advised FC to contact the Stand Together Network for further assistance in housing and employment support.
- Initiated a referral to STN to ensure she receives tailored help and follows up on this advice.
3. Additional Resources:
- Provided information on other housing agencies and property listings to widen her search for suitable accommodation.
- Offered emotional support and reassurance during this challenging time.
Follow-Up and Continued Support
In the follow-up sessions, we aimed to address FC’s ongoing concerns and ensure she was receiving adequate support:
- Emotional Support: Continued to provide FC with emotional support to help her manage the stress and anxiety associated with her housing situation.
- Housing Advocacy: Worked with housing advocates to address the discrimination she faced from rental agencies, ensuring her situation is fairly considered.
- Benefit Assistance: Helped FC navigate the complexities of her benefit status to improve her chances of securing a rental property.
Testimonials
FC shared her thoughts on the support she received:
“I was feeling very lost and discriminated against because of my situation. The advice and support from STN have been a lifeline. They helped me understand my rights and provided me with resources to find a new home. Knowing that there are people who care and are willing to help has made a huge difference for me and my family. My children are less anxious now that we have a plan and are moving forward. I can’t thank STN enough for their support during this difficult time.”
Conclusion
Laura Murray’s case underscores the importance of comprehensive support in navigating housing challenges. By providing practical advice, emotional support, and advocacy, we helped Laura feel more confident and equipped to handle her situation. Her story highlights the critical role of organizations like STN in offering holistic assistance to individuals facing discrimination and housing instability, ensuring they can secure a stable and comfortable living environment for their families.