‘MM’ – currently in supported housing.
I have been working with MM for 18 months now. He was one of the most entrenched rough sleepers in the city.
MM has now moved into supported housing where he has his own flat. He has taken great pride in his new home and keeps it spotless.
Whilst supported housing is designed to offer support to enable individuals to live independently, MM has found it hard to engage with his key worker as he has trust issues. I have had to step in and arrange all his appointments and stay in contact with his key worker, keeping them up to date on what I am doing to support him.
Part of the tenancy agreement is to engage with his key worker and if he does not do this it can lead to warnings and even possible eviction.
MM has not had been in receipt of any benefits. His key worker and I have tried on numerous occasions to set it up but he did not engage. Finally, after two months. we have successfully set up a new Universal Credit claim which has proved to be very challenging. Universal credit was recently introduced in Bradford and there has been many barriers and hurdles to even get to this stage.
When a person leaves the streets and starts to live in accommodation there is a big adjustment period and many cannot handle the pressures of running a home. Having accommodation does not solve many of the other issues rough sleepers face.
MM will need lots of intensive support, help and guidance to keep him at his property and only time will tell if this will happen. But for now he is happy and I will continue to support him on his terms.