Harry* had been sofa surfing with friends for a few years. He had come to the UK several years ago as a refugee and started his life here in home office accommodation but once he gained his refugee status, he was evicted from his home office accommodation and joined the housing support waiting list. He went from friend to friend, sofa surfing, sometimes staying out on the streets in between.

When he came to us he had been staying with a friend, who had become very controlling of Harry's life and then suddenly kicked him out. Harry was very upset and stressed about sleeping on the streets. Harry came to us after initially the council said that they could not put him in accommodation even though he was suffering from diabetes, arthritis, and other health issues that added to his difficulties on the streets.

Our support team helped him to speak to the council to review his assessment and they agreed to put him into temporary accommodation. Unfortunately, the accommodation was not suitable for his health needs, which had a negative impact on his mental health. We advised and assisted Harry as he went back to the council and to see if there was a better solution for him. Harry was very fortunate and was offered his own flat with a housing association.

Throughout this time, we were also helping Harry to access the health services that he needed as well as adjusting his benefits to ensure he was receiving the correct amount. Along with regularly checking in with him regarding his mental health supporting him to stick with his healthcare plan.

When Harry began to find a bit of stability with his flat we transferred him to one of our resettlement workers, who would be taking over his case, as he was now living independently and just needed help to maintain his tenancy. Our resettlement team worked with him over a 6-month period and it saw Harry improve in his mental health, become more confident in managing himself and his tenancy, and living in a place where he was able to address his health issues. It has taken Harry a while to transition to independent living, but we have been able to support him at each stop along the way and he has always had someone to reach out to and to help him stay off the streets.

If you would like to support Harry and people like him on their journey off the streets please support our A Place To Feel At Home appeal to help four people get a home this winter.

*Name has been changed to protect our friend’s identity