Bert (name changed) was living in a substandard tenancy without gas or electric heating when he self-referred to Housing First, having heard about the service through his brother.
Initial Assessment and Housing Intervention
Housing First staff arranged a visit to Bert’s property and confirmed it was unsuitable for habitation. They promptly liaised with Housing Options, and Bert was placed in temporary accommodation while discussions took place with the private landlord. Unfortunately, necessary repairs were not completed, resulting in Bert being granted homeless status.
Identified Support Needs
During the six-week assessment period, Bert and staff identified several key areas requiring support:
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Access to safe and secure tenancy
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Illicit substance abuse support
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Physical health care, including dental needs
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Mental health support
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Budgeting assistance
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Addressing social isolation
Recovery Journey
Bert was assigned a dedicated recovery worker within the Housing First team, and together they began the recovery process.
During this time, staff identified that Bert was vulnerable to cuckooing (exploitation through the use of his home by others). His Housing First worker quickly recognized the signs and coordinated with Community Police, Bert, and Dundee City Council to take appropriate action.
Progress and Community Engagement
Bert was able to move in temporarily with family, providing a safe environment to focus on his recovery. He regained access to a car, facilitating travel to community groups and activities. He became actively involved in Street Soccer and the Cairn Centre, alongside his Key Worker. Bert is now receiving regular medication for his health needs and has accessed dental care through a mobile dental van.
Current Status
At the time of publishing, Housing First continues to work closely with Bert, supporting his ongoing journey towards stability and wellbeing.