Isla and Casper came to the foodbank asking for support after becoming homeless. They lost their job, and their landlord was their employer……….

Client Profile: 

Isla and Casper came to the Foodbank asking for support after becoming homeless. They lost their job, and their landlord was their employer. The couple did not have children, were not vulnerable, had no health issues, and were not on any benefits.  Isla and Casper were sofa surfing for a while but ended up homeless, living in a tent. Suddenly they had nowhere to go.  

Reason why client needs advice: 

The couple hadn’t lived in Harlow before but found themselves here with no option but to stay in a tent in this area. The client said they had no money and didn’t know where to go. They had been sleeping in a tent provided by a charity for a few days and were in need of food. They had no money and started to think about how to solve their housing situation. 

The couple wanted help to secure accommodation. 

What we have done to help the client:

Our Adviser explained to the couple that as they did not have any connections with Harlow and were not vulnerable they would not be able to apply for social housing in this area. 

We assisted the couple in making a homelessness application to their original local council and advised them of their rough sleeper and homelessness policy. As the temperature outside had dipped to below zero, ‘The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol’ (SWEP) was also triggered.  

An emergency food parcel was given to the couple and we signposted them to other charities within the foodbank which helped the couple with warm coats, blankets, and toiletries.   

The couple was contacted by SWEP and placed in emergency housing for a few nights.  

Their local council helped Isla and Casper with a deposit and advanced rent payment of around £2,500 to help secure accommodation, this helped the couple secure a private tenancy within Harlow. They started to feel more secure and as their worries turned into solutions, they engaged with the community trying to find financial security as well.   

While involved in advice within the different charities and community at the Food Bank, Isla and Casper got into an employment plan with a local business. They managed to get interviews and both secured job positions in record time.  

Outcome:

Isla and Casper found housing support from their local Council after our intervention. They secured private housing in Harlow and found new jobs within 3 weeks.  

They were provided some charitable support for a new start with food vouchers and household items. 

The couple contacted our adviser and stated they have been helped more than they ever expected and are very happy to now be a member of such a kind and caring community.  

NB: Names and certain details have been changed to protect our clients’ anonymity.