“Harry” presented at our Support Centre in need of emergency support, seemingly confused and delayed in his responses. He told us that he was in full-time employment but that he was recently evicted from his accommodation, and as a result, had been rough sleeping at New Street station.
We knew that Harry’s accommodation options were limited as he was employed. We supported him to contact Newtown Housing Options, who provided him with a list of options. Together, we contacted several of these providers, to no avail.
Upon investigating further, we questioned the fact that Harry was working due to his mental condition. We contacted his place of work, who confirmed that he was in employment but would soon be let go due to his worsening health condition, for which he was not seeking help.
After consulting our Safeguarding Lead and with concern about his vulnerability, we submitted an Adult Safeguarding form before again referring him to Birmingham City Council’s Housing Options Team, now with the knowledge that Harry would soon be unemployed and that SIFA Fireside could support him to claim benefits. This assessment was successful and Harry was given an emergency bed at Helen Dixon House for 2 weeks whilst we were able to support him with access to benefits.
We are continuing to support Harry with his Universal Credit claim, which is a key step towards accessing accommodation long term.
SIFA Fireside wouldn’t be able to make a difference like this without the Homelessness Intervention Team in our Digbeth Support Centre, which relies mainly on kind donations from the public so that they can continue to change lives.
Could you donate to SIFA Fireside and help support Birmingham’s vulnerable people, just like Harry?
Donate now by following this link and thank you, Brum.
