Anyone affected by homelessness?

Rumi

What can one do to improve their chances of getting a place to live in.

poppy123456

Have you filled out a form from your local Authority to add yourself to the housing list? Whether you’ll be housed quickly through is a totally different story but getting yourself on the list is a start. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Rumi

I see the community have come out in support I agree with reaching out to Shelter and your Local Council. I would also suggest reaching out to Crisis. 

Rumi

I am in temporary accommodation at the moment. Looking for a place to stay but nothing has come up.

Hannah_Alumni

I'm so sorry to hear that @Rumi I hope Shelter, your Council or Crisis are able to help! Please keep us updated

poppy123456

Ada said:

In my past years I have had to leave a dangerous situation more than once. Living on the streets. Because private landlords ask so much for a deposit even for one room. 
But after living/ sleeping under a tree for three weeks I went to the local council who had a scheme where they would pay the deposit for you. As long as your story was legit.
No idea if councils still do this. Worth a call.  
Good luck. Keep us updated that your ok 

Yes the deposit scheme is still available. The only issue is that the majority of landlords for private renting refuse those claiming benefits, so the scheme is rather pointless.

Stellar

so sorry you're in this situation @Rumi. sadly there's nothing you can do other than wait around for years in temporary accommodation for a council house. or somehow get lucky and inherit tons of cash.

from my own experience, it's impossible for anyone who:

• cannot work full time
• cannot work at all
• is on social security
• dosen't have a guarantor
• dosen't have ££££s to pay upfront
• can't handle an intense communication process
• do not have someone who can communicate with the process moving with you
• can't hide access needs
• has pets
• has kids

even young, privileged people who don't have any of the above struggle.

Beaver79 said:

Hi @Rumi Have you tried Shelter.   

https://www.shelter.org.uk 

Shelter are swamped with demand and do not help people find accommodation. their websites are good though.

poppy123456

Whether it's possible to be housed and how quickly this happens will depend on the social housing rules. In my area homeless people can be placed on the critical list and i've seen people being offered properties within 6 months. When they offer a property they give details of which band they were in and how long they've been waiting.

For myself i was placed on the urgent medical priority list on 9th August 2023. I placed a bid on 5 properties and last week i had a phone call offering me a 2 bed house. I currently live in a 2 bed house privately renting. I will be viewing the house sometime next week and hope to move in by 2nd week of January.

Rumi

@ poppy123456
do you mean the council’s social housing rules?

poppy123456

Rumi said:

@ poppy123456
do you mean the council’s social housing rules?

Yes because they will all be very different. Have you filled out a form to add yourself to the list? 

Rumi

@poppy123456

I am bidding since 2021.

poppy123456

If you're in a low band then yes it can take quite sometime.