‘Brian’ is in his 50s and had stayed at Crossways during a previous winter. He then moved on into a shared house.
While in the shared accommodation he was targeted by a group of individuals engaged in street-based activities. They would stay at his property against his wishes and obtain money from him.
He was moved to alternative accommodation, a placement that broke down, resulting in him returning to the streets, where he was a regular begging presence.
Unwilling to accept accommodation with any other providers, Brian was offered the chance to return to Crossways which had essentially become the only place that he would accept.
Brian had suffered from poor physical health, with knee problems impacting his mobility. Encouraged by Crossways staff, he engaged much more with the local access surgery around his health needs and continued to work with the local recovery service to address his substance use.
As the end of winter approached, and we grew concerned that Brian had no move-on option, we approached Cambridge City Council and received encouragement to make a homeless application.
Granted a priority housing duty by the Council, Brian met the criteria to be accommodated at our new 176 summer provision. Therefore, he was able to stay in his room and simply had to sign a new accommodation agreement.
Brian has been awarded a priority banding for bidding on Home-link to secure a social tenancy. Once a tenancy is secured, our Survive and Thrive service will assist him to furnish his new property, set up the accounts for all his household bills, and offer any other forms of support that he might need.
