disabled person face possible homeless due to government benefits cut

From what Sam told me, since the government benefits cut, he hasn't been unable to pay his rent for nearly two months now, in his council housing.The biggest problem he faces is either feed himself and the dog, or put money into his electric meter to keep warm or have electricity in the flat. The biggest fear for him right now, is that he may face homelessness if he continued unable to pay for his rent.
Sam is in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, and I wonder if there's any help, funding or support he can get. Like someone to help him with reapplying benefits for the benefits he needs, or access to some kind of immediate help for his rent. I can only help him so little financially out of my own pocket. I can also see it's a real issue that if he became homeless, his chance of survival is very low, as he's permanently define in his wheelchair, and often face abuse in the street.
Any suggestions are very welcome, or any direction I could help him to look at, and have the right people to help him. (I have been thinking about setting up a gofundme page for him to solve his current rent arrear issue, but it's not a long term solution for him, he'll need something more to assist him, for both his physical condition and mental health).
Thanks so much in advance
Comments
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Hello @bernadettev, thank you for getting in touch to get help for Sam
Advice local is good for finding support and advice in your area, and this is one of the websites is suggested regarding homelessness and preventing becoming homeless: http://www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk/housing/homelessness/
There is a food bank in St Neots although he would need to get a referral to access it.
Please do let us know if you have any other questions or how else we can help. This a horrible situation to be going through and we want to provide as much support for you both as we can.
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What benefits were cut? Did he appeal?0
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I am glad you are helping your friend out and seeking advice.
I just need to ask if he has a social worker. If not, then maybe he needs to be refered to the local social services as he comes across as a vulnerable person at risk.
He will also need to speak to an advisor regarding budgeting issues.
Good luck to you and him both, I hope things work out for you guys.0 -
Hi @bernadettev
If your friend is at risk of homelessness it would be wise for him to seek urgent advice from Shelter https://england.shelter.org.uk/get_help
I have checked the service directory on the Scope website: https://www.scope.org.uk/Support/Service-directory
And can see that near St Neots you have a Disability Information Service http://www.dish.org.uk/ who can advise on housing, benefits and debt
I certainly agree with @Han_Solo that he needs to be receiving support from the local social services department. If you feel he is a vulnerable people at risk you could contact the local authority on his behalf: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/adults/report-abuse/
You also have concerns about his dog, Cambridge and District RSPCA branch may be able to assist with vet care: http://www.rspca-cambridge.org.uk/clinic.html
Hope this helps
Jean
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