Help for Homeless Guy

kopicbloodaxe

Hi there,

I know this isn't really a money-saving question, but thought this forum was a good place to start with this. Feel free to relocate this thread if necessary!

My wife works for our neighbour who runs his own small cleaning business. He interviewed this homeless guy at the job center and found out that he was living in a sort of den that some kids had made in a nearby park. My neighbour decided to employ him as a cleaner to help him get himself out of his situation - he had lost his family and had nowhere else to turn. My neighbour opened a bank account for him and pays his wages into there for him to save towards paying for accomodation. We all gave him some clothes and my neighbour let's him shower and shave at his house. He always works hard and never smells of alcohol and seems a decent enough chap - he even gave a thankyou card to my neighbour for all his help and support.

Now to the crux of the matter - how in the name of all that is holy does he get himself a proper roof over his head??? They've tried contacting the council, local churches and the salvation army (you'd think they'd help, wouldn't you?) but no-one is interested in his case. I believe they're also contacting the Shelter charity but I don't know the outcome yet.

So... thoughts? Comments? Suggestion? All gratefully received!

Many thanks,
Simon.

rchddap1

It sounds to me like he has been extremely fortunately in meeting both yourself and your wife. I just wanted to say well done for helping him and its obvious that he greatly appreciates it. My suggestion would be to keep at the council and others. One other thought would be to see if a local paper would be interested in the story. Can't hurt to try and if they do use the story it might be enough to get the council to actually do something.

Queenie

Depending on where you're located ...

Sanctuary Housing Association

You could also make a start by looking through English Churches Housing Group

Alternatively - try a search with Google - Housing Associations <--- that will open a link and you can scroll through the area relevant links.

I think it's wonderful that you are helping him.:T I wish you all the best.

ceegee

Could you check the local paper for rooms to let? Or ask your acquaintances if they know of anyone looking for a lodger?

kopicbloodaxe

Thanks for all suggestions so far. Good stuff!

I especially like the local paper idea, which we'll probably look into after checking out the other new leads first.

elvis_bloggs

I wish him luck.

ceegee

Same here. Isn't it sad, what happens to some people? This makes me think of that poor "piano man" who is in the news at the moment. Makes me count my blessings, too. :think:

bestyman

Hi,
The council have a legal obligation to house this man providing that he is not intentionally homeless. Make an appointment with the housing office and don`t be fobbed off. In Leeds council flat rent is about £30 a week so this should be affordable. I know that you say you have contacted them already but please try again, try another office and ask to appeal or for complaint form if not happy.

My mum rents flats to unemployed people and said that the sad thing is that now this man has a job he may loose some or all of his benefits. Unemployed people get up to £83 a week for a flat and if they find one cheaper they get to keep the change. If he was working but paid a very low amount ;o) he may be able to get help with rent, council tax etc.

If I was you Id tell him to sign on and put him in your spare bedroom for £83 a week.

Bestyman

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kopicbloodaxe

You go through life knowing that there are homeless people out there, you occassionally give money to charity and then feel a bit better about yourself. But this situation has really brought it home to me (so to speak) and put a real face and person in front of the statistics and has changed my perspective.

"There, but for the grace of God, go I (or my wife or my daughter)..."

Bestyman - We'll keep on at the council, etc. I would offer to rent a room to him but don't have the space - we're in the middle of redecorating to sell the house and the spare room has the computer and all the other stuff that we've put out of the way. However, I am contemplating paying him to help us redecorate - that should help to boost the coffers for rent money. Also, whilst he seems like a nice guy, I *do* have a five year old daughter who is my top priority in life for help and protection. I don't really think he'd do anything to jeopardise our help and support but there is that nagging doubt.

Jay-Jay_4

I would definately suggest that you get the local paper involved, not only will it hopefully make social services sit up and listen but you may get the attention of someone who can help this man directly either by offering him lodgings or other support.

Has your neighbour been to the CAB for some advice?

Well done to you all for helping this man. :T

lee3276

It just make you so mad that no one with power is willing to help, He has most proberley paid his TAXES all his life and when we fall in to hardship. The B******* put the boot in and say there is nothing we can do. It make you think shall I just give up work have 25 kids get a mansion pay no taxes and live a life of luxery. Its time Mr Blair focused on his old customers and not the money grabbing new ones