Hostel Placement

My job involves a lot of tireless work to find secure accommodation for our clients.  Many of the case studies listed below highlight how KCAH assists the ‘hidden homeless’ – the many who live in Kingston who cannot find affordable housing or a private landlord who will accept Housing Benefit.  Before they come to us, they move amongst friends and family until they outstay their welcome.  For them, the daily stress and pressure of not knowing whether they have a floor or a sofa to sleep on that night - or whether they might find themselves out on the street - is harsh reality.

Miss Gold came to KCAH when her housing tenancy contract with Kingston University came to an end.   As well as working, she was also a part-time student taking a Business Degree.  Threatened with homelessness, Miss Gold approached KCAH for housing support and advice.   We helped her make a new claim for Job Seekers Allowance to top up her low income and this meant she could also claim housing benefit to gain access to a hostel or nightshelter.   KCAH initially helped place Miss Gold in the Leatherhead night shelter.  Two days later, the local YMCA in Surbiton accepted her and she has been residing there since.  This is ideal for her as it means that she is in close proximity of Kingston University and is now able to continue studying and complete her final year. 

Mr Sinclair was facing homelessness due to being asked to leave by friends, with whom he was staying at the time.  He is currently studying English three times a week through the Job Centre, at a Kingston learning centre.  Mr Sinclair also suffers from severe migraines and depression.   He was receiving medical support from his GP and hospital, all based in the Kingston area.  For all these reasons, Mr Sinclair was very keen to stay within the local area.  He was very patient and persistent in maintaining daily contact with KCAH to see if any vacancies became available at the local YMCA.   After two months, Mr Sinclair was offered a room at the YMCA and he was extremely overjoyed and overwhelmed by the good news.  He was pleased that he could still continue to receive the necessary medical treatment that he requires as well as continue to attend his training course in Kingston.

Miss Lovell was being made homeless after staying with her sister, who was herself being evicted at the end of that month - but had been offered Council accommodation.  Miss Lovell came to KCAH for housing support.  She wanted to be as close to her family as possible, none of whom had suitable housing to accommodate her themselves.  KCAH contacted the YMCA on a daily basis for Miss Lovell, as she showed the persistence and motivation to make daily contact with KCAH.  After three weeks, she was offered a room at the local YMCA, just before she was about to be made homeless.  Miss Lovell was delighted to be able to continue to live close to her support network whilst looking for more suitable accommodation for herself.

Miss Byrne is a young woman who approached KCAH when she became homeless after her mother had told her to leave.    She was sleeping on a friend’s sofa but could not stay there permanently.   Miss Byrne’s details were referred to the local YMCA where, seven days after first attending the KCAH office, she attended an interview and was accepted by the YMCA.  The client was very satisfied as she could remain locally to her support unit and is likely to be considered for KCAH’s very own accommodation project, the Access Project.

Daniela Lewis
Hostel Placement Officer