Case Study: Alvin’s Journey from Rough Sleeping to Stability

06.06.2023 | By Catherine McLaren

Alvin (name changed) endured 15 years of rough sleeping in a tent on the outskirts of Dundee following a mental breakdown and quitting his job.

Initial Intervention and Assessment
Alvin was supported into emergency accommodation after being assisted by a member of the public. Dundee City Council’s Housing Options then referred him to our Housing First programme for tailored housing support.

During a six-week assessment period, Alvin, together with his Key Worker Kevin, identified a broad range of support needs to help him transition to independent living:

Accessing benefits, having not claimed any for 15 years
Registering with a GP after over 15 years without medical care
Accessing mental health support
Securing safe and stable tenancy
Reconnecting with family
Addressing social isolation
Developing cooking and budgeting skills

Building Trust and Identifying Needs
Throughout the assessment, Alvin built a strong, trusting relationship with Kevin, who supported him almost daily. This trust was crucial in uncovering Alvin’s full needs. During this time, it was revealed Alvin had experienced hospital admissions due to eating discarded food, which caused a stomach infection.

Healthcare Access and Benefits
Kevin helped Alvin register with a GP, where a full health assessment led to a diagnosis of COPD, previously undetected. Alvin was prescribed medication to manage this condition.

Due to living “off grid” for many years, Alvin initially faced difficulties claiming Universal Credit because he lacked identification documents. With support, these barriers were overcome.

Housing and Life Skills Development
Alvin was offered a tenancy in a sheltered housing complex through a Registered Social Landlord (RSL).

During his time with the Housing First programme, Alvin successfully:

Registered with a GP and accessed primary healthcare
Received support from the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
Secured a safe, secure tenancy in sheltered accommodation
Accessed full benefit entitlements
Learned and responsibly used IT skills
Reconnected with family members
Built new relationships within his community
Developed safe food handling and cooking skills

Outcome
Alvin has now graduated from the Housing First service and is supported by another agency that provides weekly check-ins, enabling him to maintain his independence and wellbeing.