From Uncertainty to Security: Helping Jane Find a Home
Monica contacted us at the end of July, deeply worried about her mum, Jane. After more than a decade of renting her home from a family member, Jane was now facing eviction as the property was being put up for sale and she didn’t know where to turn.
When our Housing Options Broker got in touch with the family, the house was already on the market, and Monica’s concerns were growing. Jane had tried reaching out to her local council for support, but found the process confusing and discouraging. Despite her circumstances, she felt she was being pushed from one department to another, being put off making a formal homeless application.
Our broker stepped in and advised Jane to contact the council again. This time, clearly stating that she wished to make a homeless application, which the local authority is legally required to accept. At the same time, we began exploring potential sheltered housing options in Jane’s preferred area.
Two promising developments were identified. One had accessibility issues due to stairs, but the second was ideal. Jane was invited to a viewing and immediately felt it was the right place for her. She was offered the property on the spot.
Jane has now signed the missives and is waiting to move into her new home. Thanks to the support of our Housing Options Broker, she avoided the very real risk of homelessness and found a safe, secure place to call home. Without this intervention, she may never have known that these housing opportunities existed and could still be facing a very uncertain future.
Helping Jack Reconnect with His Support Network
When Jack moved to a new local authority, he soon realised the distance from his family and support network was taking a toll on his mental health. He struggled to leave the house and knew he needed to return to the area where he felt most supported.
After an initial call with our Housing Options Broker, it became clear that securing alternative social housing in his former local authority would be difficult. The local council had already told Jack he was unlikely to receive an offer of housing there. Together, Jack and his broker agreed that a Mutual Exchange was the most realistic way forward.
However, our broker didn’t stop there. While exploring Mutual Exchange options with Jack, they also kept an eye out for any alternative housing opportunities that might arise.
In a fortunate turn, the broker discovered that a property with a housing association was about to become available in Jack’s desired area and encouraged him to apply. Jack submitted his application and things moved quickly. He was offered a viewing.
Although the property wasn’t exactly what Jack had imagined, his broker encouraged him to keep an open mind, reminding him that the move would bring him back to the support system he needed. Jack viewed the property, accepted it immediately, and shared how grateful he was — saying he never thought it would have been possible.
Jack’s story is a powerful reminder that even when options appear limited, our brokers remain proactive and persistent in finding solutions. Without HOS support, Jack may not have had the chance to return to the place (and people) that help him feel safe and supported.
Standing Up for Taylor: Navigating a Complex Homelessness Case
Taylor found themselves in a vulnerable and uncertain situation after being refused homelessness assistance by their local authority. The council claimed Taylor didn’t meet the criteria for a local connection, leaving them scared, anxious, and unsure of what the future would hold.
From the outset, our Housing Options Scotland broker was concerned about the decision and believed it needed to be challenged. They arranged for Taylor to attend one of our specialist appointments with the Legal Services Agency (LSA), to get expert legal advice and advocacy. At the same time, our broker continued exploring other housing options to avoid any unnecessary delays and ensure Taylor remained supported throughout.
Thanks to the involvement of LSA, Taylor was able to access temporary accommodation which was a vital step towards stability. Unfortunately, their appeal on the homelessness application was later refused. Despite this setback, our broker remains closely involved and is now working alongside LSA to determine the next best steps for Taylor. While the case is ongoing, there is hope for a positive resolution.
Without HOS’s early intervention and persistent support, Taylor might still be sofa surfing and facing insecurity and instability with no clear path forward. This case is a powerful example of how vital advocacy, partnership working, and persistence can be when people are let down by the systems meant to protect them.
Winston’s New Start: Finding the Right Home After Life-Changing Injury
In mid-2025, Winston’s life changed dramatically when an accident resulting in him becoming a full-time wheelchair user. Living in a remote part of Scotland, he quickly realised that his current home was no longer suitable for his needs.
Winston contacted Housing Options Scotland to explore what his options might be. After detailed discussions with one of our brokers about the areas that would best support his wellbeing and accessibility needs, Winston decided to apply for housing in a new local authority.
With support from his broker, Winston submitted a housing application along with relevant medical evidence. As a result, he was awarded both medical and homelessness points, significantly improving his position on the housing list.
Our broker maintained regular contact with the local homelessness officer to ensure Winston stayed informed and that his case was progressing smoothly. Thanks to this proactive communication and persistent follow-up, Winston was soon offered a permanent wheelchair-accessible property that met his needs.
Without the guidance, advocacy, and in-depth knowledge of our broker, Winston could have faced a much longer wait for suitable accommodation in his chosen area. Instead, he now has a safe, accessible place to call home and the foundation to rebuild his independence.