The Luton Homeless Partnership wanted to say BIG THANK YOU as we have received over £2,400 to the Big Change Luton Campaign
Here are some case studies showing how your donations continue to make difference.
JM
JM who was street homeless approached Penrose for support with finding accommodation and a rent deposit. JM had been homeless for a few years. Although he was proactively looking for help he encountered many barriers. So with our support JM applied to the Big Change for help with his deposit and rent in advance, this was successful. JM was then able to secure a room in a shared property. The application was easy to complete and the response very swift. It’s a great resource to our clients.
JM said:
“The rent deposit with Big Change has helped me when other services have let me down. It was quicker than I expected and uncomplicated. Other services make the process difficult, and I had lost out on properties because of the delay in their processes. This stops people from wanting to get help and feels like they are begging. I was feeling so lost and depressed. Now I am relieved to have a place of my own and its one less thing to worry about. My children have a place where they can come to visit me”.
C
C was living with Signposts having lost her part time job in performing arts as a result of COVID-19. C didn’t have any current photo ID which she needed to secure a new job, accommodation and to start learning to drive. C had been in and out of the homeless system for a few years and wanted secure permanent accommodation, somewhere she could call home.
With our support C was supported to apply to the Big Change Fund for a passport, this was not only going to help C achieve her aspiration of securing accommodation, employment and a provisional license it would also allow her to travel in the future and is also valid for 10 years. She said she would like a Passport as it lasts 10 years, she could use this as ID to get her own place, use it to get a provisional license, get a new job and she could use a passport to go traveling in the future.
The application was successful. The passport has now been used to move C out of Signposts and into a new home. The application was easy to complete and the response was very fast.
C said:
"At the moment because of COVID-19 I can't do a lot with my passport but, I have moved into new accommodation which is really nice. once lockdown is over, I will renew my EHIK card so I can go traveling around Europe, buy a provisional license and start driving so I can expand my job opportunities and I also want to renew my DBS so I can start working with Kids again. I am very grateful that big change Luton helped me get valid ID as now I feel nothing is in the way to stop me "
D
Having been street homeless and living in a tent for the last 8 years D approached Signposts for support with furnishing a studio flat. Signposts had supported D to secure his new home and also supported D to apply to the Big Change Fund to help him furnish his new flat.
The application was successful, and D was able to have his new home ready for Christmas. The application was easy to complete and response very fast.
D said:
"I found completing this application quick and easy I did it within 10 minutes with my keyworker and was happy about how easy it was to understand and follow. I want to thank Big Change Luton and Signposts for applying for this fund with me. When I found out it got accepted I did a little dance with my keyworker Elizabeth. This will change my life as I previously lived in a tent for 8 years. I'm now looking forward to Christmas and the new fresh start in the new year. I got everything I asked for in the application e.g a bed, chairs and table and much more. This is going to make this Christmas very special as I will being celebrating this Christmas in my very first home which will be fully finished. With the help of Big Change Luton. This help is going to make my future brighter because I don’t have to worry about saving up for a bed and other appliances like a kettle. I can now focus on getting back to work and settling down. Thank you."
CD
CD, a 41-year-old female originating from the US came to the UK in her early 20’s.
Having escaped an abusive relationship CD came to Luton for addiction treatment, having recovered from Cancer and being HIV positive CD has numerous mobility issues.
CD was referred to Keystage after a period of homelessness and ill health culminating in a hospital admission for Pneumonia. Upon discharge CD encountered a number of poor accommodation issues but was eventually successful in bidding for social housing through Luton Borough Council. However, when moving in CD’s new flat was just an empty shell.
CD was in desperate need for the basics to get a flat up and running. A bed, and white goods, so a successful referral to Big Change was made. CD was able to buy a bed, fridge/freezer and a cooker. Being able to get these has helped CD to feel like the flat she moved into was her new home and not a cold empty shell.
We were able to get this all delivered for her before Christmas, so she was at least comfortable over the festive period. Being able to do the basics in her flat like sleep and eat allows her to continue her road to a full recovery.
M
M was rough sleeping in woods and abandoned buildings in Luton for 7 years until NOAH supported him to obtain settled status in November 2020. This meant that he could claim housing benefit which enabled him to move into a local homeless hostel.
Today (April 2021) Marek was told that his application for a new smart phone was accepted which was paid for with donations from the Luton Big Change Fund. He said that he is very grateful and this phone will enable him to check his bank account online and make a claim for universal credit. However what is most important for him is that he can see his sister in Poland because this phone has a camera on it and he can use the video to stay in touch with his family.
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