Angus – A Veteran’s Path Back to Stable Housing
After having to leave his previous accommodation due to major repairs, Angus ended up living in his van. A veteran with no support in place, he’d never received any help after losing his tenancy. For years, he managed on his own, but eventually decided it was time to seek advice and see what housing options might be available to him. That’s when he got in touch with HOS.
Angus first spoke to our 24-hour homelessness response team, where he received some initial guidance. Shortly after, he was allocated a broker through our monthly triage meeting. In their first conversation, Angus and the broker talked through his situation and started to map out the best next steps. Angus was especially interested in housing for veterans, as well as applying to various housing providers, including sheltered accommodation. He also submitted a homeless application.
Over the next few weeks, several applications were completed with support from the broker, who made sure everything was submitted correctly and kept up to date. During one of the checks, the broker noticed something wasn’t right. Although Angus’s homeless application had been received, his priority status hadn’t been properly updated. This meant he was placed lower on the waiting list than he should have been.
Once the error was picked up, the broker worked with the local authority to get Angus’s application corrected. Not long after that, his position on the register improved and within a few months, he was offered a property.
Without that extra attention to detail, it’s very possible Angus would have remained in his van, waiting indefinitely. Thanks to the support he received, and the persistence of his broker in following up on the issue, he was finally able to move into safe, stable housing.
Planning Ahead: How Lesley Navigated the LIFT Scheme to Find a Suitable Home
Lesley first came to HOS a number of years ago when she bought her home through the LIFT scheme. More recently, she reached out to us again after her property gradually became unsuitable for her needs due to her disability.
She got in touch in mid-2024, hoping to reapply to the LIFT scheme to purchase a more accessible home. Unfortunately, by the time she contacted us, the scheme had already closed for that financial year. Although this was disappointing, Lesley knew LIFT was the right path for her, and with support from HOS, she began planning ahead for when the scheme would reopen.
Over the next few months, Lesley worked closely with a financial advisor and kept a close watch for updates. As soon as the scheme reopened earlier this year, she was ready. She submitted her application quickly, found a new property that better suited her needs, and accepted an offer on her current home.
From there, everything moved smoothly. With the right planning and support, the whole process came together, and Lesley was able to move into her new home at the end of July. She shared how grateful she was to her broker for the ongoing guidance and support throughout the journey, saying she couldn’t have done it without them.
Simon’s Move Toward Independence: Finding the Right Home Through Sheltered Housing
When Simon became homeless in 2023, it wasn’t because he didn’t have a roof over his head, it was because he couldn’t safely leave his home. What followed was a difficult period of staying in hostels before being placed in temporary accommodation, which was also far from suitable for his needs.
Looking for a more sustainable solution, Simon got in touch with HOS. After speaking to one of our brokers, it became clear that sheltered housing could be a great fit for him as it offered both accessibility and support. With guidance from his broker, Simon began completing applications for sheltered housing providers with developments in his chosen areas.
However, as time passed with no news and no change in his situation, Simon’s broker stepped in again. Rather than waiting passively, they reached out directly to one of our contacts in sheltered housing, explained Simon’s circumstances in full, and asked if any vacancies might be available.
That call made a real difference. Just a few weeks later, a property became available in one of the sheltered housing developments Simon had originally shown interest in and he was offered a place. Without that extra step, picking up the phone and advocating on Simon’s behalf, he might still be waiting. This is a clear example of how HOS uses its network of contacts and relationships to get better outcomes for clients.
Helping Emma Navigate Uncertainty: Support Through a Notice to Leave
When Emma received a Notice to Leave from her landlord, she reached out to HOS feeling scared and uncertain about what the future might hold. Unsure of her next steps and anxious about becoming homeless, she spoke with one of our brokers to explore her options.
During their conversation, Emma explained that she had already made a homeless application to her local authority and had been awarded some points. Her broker offered to take a closer look at the application, hoping to ensure everything was accurate and to see if there was any room for additional support.
After contacting the local authority, it was confirmed that Emma had points related to her homeless status. However, through further discussion, it became clear that Emma also had ongoing support needs that hadn’t been fully considered. As a result, additional points were awarded to her application, strengthening her position on the housing list.
Emma is still waiting for an offer and has been advised that temporary accommodation may be necessary in the meantime. While this is still an uncertain time for her, her broker remains in regular contact and is committed to supporting her through the process by answering questions, providing reassurance, and helping her consider all her available options.
Emma’s story shows how important it is to look beyond the initial application and look for the full range of support someone is entitled to, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed and alone.