“There is a great synergy between the teams here. Above all else, he always helps me to keep my head above water, when I am completely down. I am so grateful for the help provided to me by everyone at The Passage.” – Elizabeth, Passage Client
Elizabeth* once lived a life of elegance and luxury – attending high-profile galas, dining in five-star hotels, and enjoying the comfort of financial security. She was, by many accounts, thriving. But her world changed dramatically through a series of devastating events.
While on holiday with her husband, Elizabeth discovered that he had taken his own life – a traumatic loss that she carries with her every day. In the wake of his death, Elizabeth uncovered the full extent of his financial difficulties. She was left not only grieving but also solely responsible for a significant amount of debt and rent arrears.
In an effort to stay afloat, Elizabeth sold everything she owned. But despite her efforts, the funds quickly ran out. She fell further behind on rent, was pursued by bailiffs, and faced imminent eviction – with nowhere to go.
At this desperate point, Elizabeth was referred to The Passage’s Housing Solutions Service.
The turning point
Our Housing Solutions Team intervened quickly, advocating on her behalf and securing accommodation before she was forced to sleep rough. It was a vital moment of protection. Spending even a single night on the streets can have long-lasting impacts, especially for someone in a fragile state of mind and body. Elizabeth lives with diagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the risk to her health and safety was urgent.
With our support, Elizabeth was placed in temporary accommodation, staying in a hotel alongside others who had made a homeless application to the local authority. She was helped to access Universal Credit and was connected with a dedicated caseworker from The Passage, who began working with her regularly to rebuild some sense of security and hope.
Thankfully, with the continued support of her caseworker, Elizabeth has now settled into a studio apartment in Central London, close to where she used to live. She is starting to make the space her own, and while the road ahead is still difficult, she knows that The Passage is by her side.
“I do not know what I would have done without the empathy and involvement of my caseworker, Andrew. He has helped me a lot – in every way; even with the smaller details of moving (administrative and pragmatical ones). When Andrew is unable to help, he always puts me in touch with the relevant members of the team at The Passage so I can get the wrap-around support I need. There is a great synergy between the teams here. Above all else, he always helps me to keep my head above water, when I am completely down. I am so grateful for the help provided to me by everyone at The Passage.” – Elizabeth, Passage Client
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*Please note the name of this client has been changed in the interest of their privacy.