At Housing Options Scotland, we are committed to supporting individuals in securing homes that suit their needs. We wanted to share a selection of client stories from March. These stories reflect the challenges, resilience, and positive outcomes that arise from the work we do with our clients each day.
Karen’s Story: Spinal Injuries Unit
In March, Karen reached out to one of our Housing Options Brokers through a Housing Clinic at the Spinal Injuries Unit in Glasgow. After recently relocating to a privately rented property following the sale of her previous home, Karen suffered an accident that resulted in life-changing injuries. As a result, she now uses a wheelchair full-time and requires daily care and support.
During her consultation with our broker, Karen was provided with detailed information about various housing options, including Social Housing, Sheltered Housing, and the possibility of purchasing an accessible property. Taking time to discuss these options with her family, Karen ultimately decided that Sheltered Housing would be the most suitable choice for her, considering her long-term needs and desire to stay in the same home as she grows older.
Our broker assisted Karen in completing the necessary applications to Sheltered Housing providers and her local authority, ensuring that all required supporting documents were submitted correctly and promptly.
Karen’s ultimate goal is to regain her independence in an accessible home and to one day hold her new grandchild, a milestone she is eagerly looking forward to.
William’s Journey
In March, William reached out to us after an incident made his current sheltered housing property no longer suitable for his needs. Following the event, he moved in with his brother, feeling unsafe in his home and seeking guidance on his housing options.
Our Housing Options Broker first connected William with the Legal Services Agency to obtain expert legal advice on his housing situation. This support proved invaluable, as it provided William with a clearer understanding of his circumstances and helped him outline the next steps.
Our broker then recommended that William apply as homeless, submit applications to sheltered housing providers, and engage with his current housing provider to explore potential solutions. To further assist him, one of our housing buddies helped William complete applications to various sheltered housing providers, ensuring he had the support he needed throughout the process.
While William has not yet found a permanent housing solution, Housing Options Scotland has equipped him with the knowledge and resources to maximise his chances of being rehoused, giving him the confidence to navigate his next steps.
Matthews Story: Accompanying to interviews
After being discharged from the army and finding himself in unsuitable accommodation, Matthew reached out to us to explore his housing options.
Our broker promptly contacted Matthew to discuss his situation, and it soon became clear that he needed to make a homelessness application to his local authority. However, the idea of navigating this process was overwhelming for Matthew, as he struggled with speaking in front of others.
To ensure he received the support he needed, it was agreed that one of our brokers would attend the homelessness meeting with him. This allowed Matthew to feel more at ease, knowing he had professional guidance and advice should he need it during the meeting.
While our broker discussed various housing options with Matthew, he ultimately chose to proceed with the homelessness application, deciding to wait for an offer of housing.
Without the support of Housing Options Scotland, Matthew might never have presented as homeless, as he felt unable to attend the interview alone. Thanks to our assistance, he was empowered to take the necessary steps towards finding a solution.
Matthew is still awaiting an offer of housing, but he remains hopeful and optimistic about his future.
Sharon’s sheltered housing story
Sharon reached out to us as she prepared to retire from a job that was tied to her accommodation. Recognising the importance of securing a housing solution before potentially facing a crisis, Sharon contacted us early to explore her options.
Our broker spoke with Sharon to discuss a range of possibilities, including homelessness support, sheltered housing, and veterans housing, given her military background.
After considering the different options, Sharon expressed interest in sheltered housing. Taking swift action, our broker reached out to several sheltered housing providers on Sharon’s behalf. Sharon identified a few potential options, so our broker, Tessa, shared Sharon’s details with these providers to assess which sheltered housing developments might best meet her needs.
After ongoing communication with various developments, Sharon eventually chose a property that felt right for her, and discussions are now in progress to finalise the details. Without the expertise and connections of our broker, Sharon may not have found a suitable sheltered housing option in time.