Raymond’s Story
Raymond got in touch with us after spending some time living in a caravan in a remote area. He wasn’t able to move it closer to his family, which meant he was isolated and without the support network he really needed.
One of our brokers contacted Raymond to talk him through his options and provide information about making a homelessness application to his chosen local authority. However, when the broker checked back in, Raymond explained that he’d been told the council couldn’t help him.
Knowing that Raymond had the right to make a homelessness application, our broker stepped in straight away and contacted the local authority to clarify things. They advised that Raymond could arrange an appointment by phone but would need to attend in person. As Raymond wasn’t able to travel, our broker explained his situation and advocated on his behalf. Following this, the council agreed to take his application over the phone.
After speaking with Raymond, the council advised that because he had a high number of housing points and wanting to be rehoused close to his sister, he may be better placed focusing on a housing application rather than going through the homelessness route.
Our broker then supported Raymond to gather and submit all the necessary evidence, making sure he received every point he was entitled to.
Raymond is still waiting to be rehoused, but without HOS’s support he may have felt discouraged after his initial experience and not taken his application any further. With the right guidance and information, Raymond is now in the strongest possible position to receive an offer of a home closer to his family.
Tracey’s Story
After an accident left Tracey unable to return to her home, she got in touch with HOS for support. Now a wheelchair user, she needed to find somewhere new that met her accessibility requirements.
During an initial conversation with one of our brokers, Tracey shared that she wanted to move closer to her family for extra support. She was also interested in sheltered housing, as she wanted to remain independent while having some support available if needed.
Our broker acted quickly, contacting sheltered housing providers to check whether there were any available properties in her preferred area. There were several developments she could apply for, so our broker arranged a face-to-face meeting to help her complete the application forms.
Shortly after, our broker was informed about an upcoming studio property with enough space to comfortably manoeuvre a wheelchair. They immediately let Tracey know, and a viewing was arranged.
Following the viewing, Tracey was offered the property and happily accepted. She is now preparing to move into her new home.
Without the support of HOS, Tracey may never have known about this opportunity and could have faced a much longer wait to find suitable accommodation. With the right guidance and timely intervention, she is now looking forward to starting a new chapter in a home that truly meets her needs.
Grant’s Story
After a period of illness, Grant realised his home was no longer suitable for his needs. He made the difficult decision to sell and move in with his daughter while he looked for somewhere more appropriate.
He found a property that seemed ideal and began the purchase process, but unfortunately the sale fell through. Suddenly, Grant was back at square one. That’s when he decided to contact HOS to explore what other options might be available to him.
In his initial conversation with one of our brokers, it became clear that although moving into a care home had been suggested as a possibility, this wasn’t what Grant wanted or needed. He was looking for somewhere that offered a level of support, while still allowing him to live independently.
Our broker began reaching out to contacts at local sheltered housing developments to see what might be available in Grant’s preferred area. Two suitable options were identified, and Grant was delighted to have realistic choices to consider.
Ultimately, Grant accepted a one-bedroom sheltered housing property with an adapted bathroom and enough space to comfortably manoeuvre his wheelchair. He has now moved in and is settling into his new home.
Without the support of HOS, Grant may still have been living with his daughter and searching for suitable accommodation. With the right advice and connections, he was able to find a home that meets his needs and allows him to maintain his independence.
Kirsty’s Story
Kirsty was living in a private rented property that was damp, cold and affected by black mould. The poor conditions were making her existing health condition worse, and she knew she needed to start looking at other options.
When one of our brokers contacted Kirsty, she was open to exploring all possible routes. However, she was keen to remain in the same area, where she had strong support from both her family and local health services.
Although social housing in the area is limited, Kirsty had a high number of points and priority with local housing associations. Even so, there was likely to be a long wait before a suitable property became available. With this in mind, Kirsty wanted to explore alternative options.
As she had savings and a stable benefits income, Kirsty was interested in whether home ownership might be possible. Our broker provided information on buying a property and shared details of different ownership schemes, including the LIFT scheme, so she could consider her options fully.
After reading through the information, Kirsty decided she would like to speak to a mortgage adviser who specialises in mortgages for people receiving benefits. Our broker was able to connect her with an adviser experienced in this area.
Although Kirsty hasn’t yet purchased a property, she is now actively exploring her options with the right professional support in place. Our broker continues to guide her through the process and will be there to support her every step of the way as she works towards finding the right home for her needs.