Swift Turnaround
Harry (not his real name) came to see me stating that he was homeless. He had been homeless in another part of the UK and was staying in temporary accommodation there. He said that his Mental Health began to play up so he left and travelled to Europe for a change of scene. He felt no better in the new location so decided to return to the UK and came to London. He had been rough sleeping for a few days.
I went through the normal procedures I use when interviewing homeless clients. Part way through he said, ”I just want to go home”. He told me that the Manager of the accommodation unit that he had originally come from had assured him that if things didn’t work out, he could return. He gave me the Manager’s number and I called her. She spoke fondly of him and enquired whether he was alright. I informed her that he was homeless. She said they had no space now, but she could let him use a crash bed (camp /folding bed).
Harry was more than happy with this. I requested permission for his flight back as this would have been far cheaper and more effective than paying for accommodation here. The most economic travel mode for him meant that he could not have any luggage, he was quite happy to abandon his suitcase. I organised a train and flight ticket. Later, after Harry had gone, a worker from the temporary accommodation unit called to inform that a room had become available! He said he would call Harry too.
I called a few days later and learned that Harry had arrived safely and was in occupation there. That was a quick, and effective win on three points: financially – I used a airline renowned for its cheap fares, his mental health – he had returned to a supportive environment where his psychological state could improve, and he had temporary accommodation, en route to permanent accommodation, effectively resolving his homelessness.