World Homeless Day: Connor’s story
This World Homeless Day (10 October), we’re proud to shine a light on our Housing First programme, delivered in partnership with Chelmsford City Council.
Housing First provides people who have experienced rough sleeping with a home of their own, alongside personalised, one-to-one support. We help people build independence, reconnect with their communities, and move forward with their lives.
So far, we’ve supported nine people into secure homes. All nine people have sustained their tenancies, showing how the right home and the right support can make all the difference.
One of the people we’ve helped is Connor*. Connor is a young man who was sleeping rough in the woods following a family conflict. He wasn’t able to get a deposit for private rent or a guarantor, and would've struggled to cope in shared accommodation. He was feeling trapped.
Through the Housing First project, we provided Connor with pre-tenancy support. This included working with him to develop a tailored support plan covering things like mental and physical health, budgeting, housing, employment, and personal interests. Not long after, Connor quickly secured a flat in Galleywood where he settled in brilliantly.
We continue to provide Connor with wrap-around support to help him sustain his tenancy and continue to rebuild his life. Connor has come a long way in a short time. He's secured employment to support himself, made a group of friends in the area, and has taken great care to make his home his own. He's always eager to show off his home improvements when his Housing First officer visits him. He’s thriving, making a success of his home, and creating a happy life for himself.
Connor is just one of the people we've helped to break out of the cycle of homelessness through the Housing First project. His story shows that this scheme can be a lifeline for people who have experienced homelessness. A secure home, stability, and the right support are key to helping people rebuild their lives and look to the future.
*We’ve changed our customer’s name to protect their privacy.