Christine
After becoming homeless, Christine sought help from Positive Action in Housing, who guided her through her rights and the homelessness process. This led to a successful referral to Glasgow City Council and securing a permanent home within a month, which was no mean feat given that Glasgow is experiencing a severe housing crisis.
Sofa-surfing hides homelessness all over Scotland, with people unaware of their homelessness rights or afraid from what they have heard of temporary accommodation to go into the homeless system.
After Christine’s relationship with her partner ended she had to move out and her friend offered her shelter for a while. Christine always made an effort to be considerate and was really grateful for the help, but as time went on, she was increasingly aware that she was staying beyond her welcome. Finally, her friend suggested she should start to find her own accommodation.
Christine didn’t know what to do next. When she heard about Positive Action in Housing, she came for advice on her what she could do next. We went through her housing options and talked about her right to seek homeless assistance from the local authority and how the process works. Knowing that she didn’t have to go into temporary accommodation, she asked us to refer her to Glasgow City Council for a homeless assessment, highlighting her current and previous housing situation.
Glasgow City Council decided that Christine was homeless and took on a legal duty to find a permanent home for her. Knowing that Christine was taking action to move on, her friend was happy to let her stay whilst her homeless caseworker made referrals to housing associations. After only a bit more than a month Christine moved into a secure tenancy in a flat in the west of Glasgow.
“You helped me find the home that I am in now, guided me on the process of getting help from the council, and advised me on my rights. I didn't know the system, so I would have struggled to get this flat. Otherwise, I would still be living with my friend. I am very grateful."