Ed (not his real name) had been rough sleeping in Halifax town centre for three nights when he first came to our Street Reach service.
He was very disheartened, quiet, untrusting and distressed, only saying a few words. Staff made him feel comfortable, offered him something warm to eat and drink, and gave him a spare set of clothes to change into.
Ed had never slept rough before so wasn’t aware of the services available. He had been living in his previous home for three years but, due to the pandemic, the shop where he worked closed down leaving him with a huge drop in income and meaning he no longer could pay his rent. He was evicted and turned to rough sleeping.
As a result of not being able to work, Ed began suffering with depression and extreme anxiety, to the point he didn’t like talking on the phone, leaving the house, was crying frequently and constantly shaking and so shut himself away from the outside world. When the shop was allowed to reopen, due to restrictions being lifted, Ed was unable to return to work due to his mental health.
Ed was receiving a basic rate of Universal Credit but hadn’t claimed for his housing costs at his previous address. He was also registered with a GP and had spoken with a mental health practitioner beforehand but wasn’t aware of the current situation regarding other referrals and appointments. The Council was aware of Ed and he already had a Keychoice application in place but was deemed not a priority due to not having a Community Psychiatric Nurse.
Ed had a family court order in place which allowed him supervised contact with his child once a week and a video call, which he was happy to arrange himself. Ed had also been suffering with nose bleeds and light-headedness which he hadn’t addressed.
Street Reach had no crash pads available at the time, but we were aware of a property becoming free the following week which would be perfect for Ed: quiet, affordable and in a location he was happy with. We found him temporary accommodation and gave him some food to last over the weekend.
When the long-term accommodation was available, Street Reach took him to view the property which was furnished. Ed was happy with it and signed the tenancy agreement. Staff made sure he had everything that he needed and picked him up an emergency food parcel.
We supported Ed to sort out Universal Credit, pay his rent, keep up to date with his medical appointments and prescriptions, and get access to support for his mental health, including telling him about groups he could attend if he wanted to.
Ed maintains his tenancy well, and is eating properly, has good personal hygiene and whilst being involved with Street Reach has engaged well and built a positive working relationship. Ed is addressing his physical and mental health and is determined to get back to work when the time is right for him.
He is hoping to secure a two bedroom property so that he can have unsupervised overnight access to his child. Ed is now in a much better place and looking forward to a brighter future.