We have been supporting one of our long-term clients, Chris (real name not used), into his own permanent place. Chris is over the moon to be moving out of temporary accommodation. Living there had been starting to affect his mental health.
Chris is now living in a flat of his own, in an area he had wanted to live in. He is enjoying making it into his home. He is so pleased that he has finally got somewhere to call his own, where he can fully relax and feel safe in.
But, moving into his own place is not without struggles. Chris is working and is very proud to have his own job and income. However, this means he cannot get housing benefit paid straight to his landlord.
Chris, like many people we work with, has struggled to open a bank account. Such a simple thing for many of us is so hard for those who are or have been homeless. Instead, Chris is paid in cash. His landlord does not accept cash payments and Chris is worried about how he can pay his rent.
Chris’s story highlights that for many people we work with, our support does not always end when a client gets accommodation. Having a house or flat is not always the big “end goal”. Many of our clients have other concerns and we work with them to give practical and emotional support.
We are still working with Chris to liaise with his landlord and to support him to open a bank account.