Bert (Name Changed) was living in a substandard tenancy with no gas or electric heating facilities when he made a self-referral into Housing First after hearing about our service from his brother.
Staff were able to make contact and arrange an initial visit with Bert to the property where they were able to confirm that the property was not suitable living accommodations, they contacted our partners in Housing Options where Bert was then placed within temporary accommodation whilst communication could be made with private landlord.
Unfortunately, the repairs and/or adjustments were not made to the property so Bert was granted homeless status.
During the six week assessment staff and Bert felt his main support needs were: Accessing safe & secure tenancy, Illicit substance abuse, Physical health needs as well as dental & mental health needs, budgeting issues and social isolation support.
Bert was allocated a recovery worker who is based within our team at Housing First and together they started on his journey of recovery.
Over the course of his assessment it was uncovered that due to Bert’s vulnerabilities he was the victim of cuckooing, His Housing First worker was able to recognise the signs quickly and ensure the appropriate steps were made in liaising with Community Police, Bert and Dundee City Council.
Bert was able to move in with family for a period of time which enabled him to have a safe place again to continue to work on his other support needs, has been able to get a car again which enables him to travel to other community groups, heavily involved with street soccer and the Cairn centre alongside his Key Worker, receiving regular medication for his health needs and been able to access the dental van.
At time of Publishing Housing First are still actively working alongside Bert.