The Housing Solutions Service team is a multidisciplinary team made up of welfare advisers, domestic abuse specialists and substance misuse and mental health workers. Andrew, explains how he and his team assists clients to navigate the homelessness system.
“I first started in 2014 as a volunteer in Passage House, leading an art group. Two years later I got my first paid role as a Resettlement Worker in the Resource Centre. Meeting such a wide variety of people really demonstrated to me the misconceptions other people have about homelessness.
In 2018, I started working for the new Housing Solutions Service (HSS). The concept is to provide additional support to single homeless people who had approached Westminster for homelessness assistance. The homelessness system is difficult to navigate. People are put through a complex legal process with set parameters and timelines.
This is why the role we do – providing a holistic understanding to help bridge that gap between person and system – is so important.
Facing homelessness and being made homeless is a traumatic experience. This is where the support we provide is so valuable. Our clients who are rough sleeping can access the Resource Centre. They can also be referred to other services within The Passage such as the Tracks Employment Team. We have flexibility in our role which allows us to visit our clients in their temporary accommodation and offer our support.
I have really noticed the difference that The Passage’s involvement has made for the people approaching Westminster for assistance. I don’t know of another local authority that offers such a comprehensive package for its vulnerable service users.“
“Whilst the overall aim is to try and help people find accommodation, having the opportunity to offer a person experiencing homelessness hot food and a shower – and treating them with compassion – is invaluable. In my experience there are so many misconceptions about homelessness.” – Andrew, Enhanced Resettlement Worker
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A donation could change, or even save a life. As we look towards the Autumn and Winter months ahead, your support is vital.
Donate £25 💷
This could help someone to receive support from one of our Welfare Rights Workers, ensuring they receive the financial support they are entitled to.
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This could fund a night of emergency accommodation for someone at risk of homelessness, so they never have to spend a night on the streets.
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This could provide two weeks worth of hot meals to someone who is experiencing homelessness, at our London-based Resource Centre.