Tessa recently became our Military Matters housing options broker. Here, she chats about getting started in her new role and shares a bit about herself.
How did you come to your role at HOS?
I’ve been helping out in some capacity or another since 2014 and more recently I was working on the HOS helps project, in partnership with Almond HA, where I supported the housing association’s tenants in a variety of areas, from hoarding through to sourcing furniture and flooring.
Tell me about your role
I now work as a Military Matters housing options broker. I’m allocated a number of cases at our team triage meeting each month and I go through each one carefully to see how I can help. I’m new in the role so I’m working with around 12 clients but this number will go up as I get trained up. I speak to our clients and try to get to the crux of their housing problems so I can help them look at their options.
What do you think are some of the challenges faced by our clients?
I think often people in the military haven’t had information on housing while they’ve been serving and by the time they come to us their expectations can be different from reality. For some clients options are limited and our support might be around helping them to understand that so they can focus on what is available.
What would you change that would make things easier for our clients?
Making sure our clients can speak directly to someone. Everything is online these days so there isn’t always someone at the end of the phone who can empathise and that can go a long way. Without someone there to support you throughout you can become demotivated with form filling etc. Keeping motivation up means our clients can solve their housing problems.
How do you find HOS’ way of working?
I work condensed hours which is fantastic but just knowing that you have that flexibility lightens your whole mood, you’re not worrying about having to leave early for an appointment or something. Just knowing that it’s there makes such a big difference. For a work-life balance HOS is great and you work more as you appreciate it.
Where have you lived in Scotland?
I’m Glasgow born and bred so I know Glasgow fairly well but I have moved around the country with some work I’ve done in the Borders and further north in Scotland.
What has been your favourite home?
I remember living in the Oaklands in Glasgow. It was an old tenement. I was very young, about 3 years old and my brother was 5. We used to go out on a 3-wheeler bike and Mrs Tucker who lived below us would give us some homemade tablet. It was a typical Glasgow tenement, the neighbours were very close-knit, you could leave your pram at the bottom of the stairs. We all mucked in. There were difficult times too but I think we were happy there.
What makes a house a home for you?
A sense of safety when you walk through your door. If you feel good in yourself too you’ll feel happy in your home. You want to open your door and know you are stepping in to somewhere you feel safe.
What’s happening outside HOS at the moment?
Next Sunday I’m starting a sewing class because I want to be able to get my sewing machine out again and have the confidence to put something together. Plunge me into a class and I’ll be able to do it again soon. I do a bit of upholstery too.
What is your favourite thing about working for HOS?
The clients. They drive you forward and they are the crux of what we’re here for. I enjoy chatting to clients and helping them.
What are you working on next at HOS?
I’m getting some new cases soon as my casework is building up. I’m at the stage where I’m still getting into a rhythm with my new role but the good thing is I know I can talk to anyone on the team and they will help out and if they can’t help they’ll suggest who to speak to. It’s great. Everybody is eager to pass on their knowledge.