Vulnerable – in more ways than one
Sophia was informally renting somewhere – on the condition she helped look after her landlord’s mum. But due to lasting effects from an operation to remove a stomach tumour, Sophia wasn’t in good health.
She was in and out of hospital to clear blockages in her intestine. During one visit, doctors discovered further tumours on her brain and salivary gland. Around the same time, Sophia’s landlord told her he wanted his property back. She had no choice but to move out.
When Sophia came to our day centre she was extremely upset, anxious and concerned. Our first step was to talk through her options. We supported her with a homeless application to the council. Working together, we gathered all the essential information and evidence, while securing a housing officer.
It was vital Sophia found a home that fitted her needs. We liaised with letting agencies to help ease the burden of searching and challenged any properties that were inappropriate. After multiple viewings, Sophia found one. But with her housing officer on leave, there was a real risk that she would lose out.
We contacted the housing team emergency line, making sure a new officer was allocated to the case. Our talks with the landlord, providing the right documentation and deposit saved Sophia from an uncertain future. She’s now happily settled in her new home and has only visited us once since – to thank us for our support.