Amy's Story
Amy's Story
A referral was submitted by Rossendale Housing Options Team for Amy*, aged 20, who was currently sofa surfing and 18 weeks pregnant. Amy had fled domestic violence from her ex-partner, but was not able to return home to family due to overcrowding. After presenting as homeless at her local housing office she was referred to HAPI for support. Amy was already receiving support from a partner domestic violence service.
Amy attended an initial appointment with HAPI to discuss her housing options, which included supported accommodation, teenage family accommodation, options for mental health and wellbeing, and financial support, i.e. benefit entitlement and pregnancy grants. After deliberating these options, Amy felt that a referral for short-term supported accommodation would be the best option for her. Going forward, a referral to M3 Teenage Family Project was also submitted. Amy was able to stay at her grandma's home on a short term basis. It was also established that Amy had a Be-with-Us application in process, and she was advised to send a copy of the MATB1 form to improve her banding with them.
Once the referrals had been submitted by HAPI, Amy attended all of her assessments and was placed on the relevant waiting lists. Unfortunately, Amy's relationship with grandma broke down, and she found herself street homeless. Amy was aware that HAPI could be contacted at any time; therefore she called the Rossendale HAPI service and was able to access immediate support. Following this call, Amy was able to be accommodated by SafeSpace in Rossendale until her property with Stepping Stone was available.
Partner work between HAPI, SafeSpace Rossendale, Stepping Stone and M3 Teenage family has enabled Amy to avoid street homelessness, and to find accommodation that will see her through her final stages of pregnancy and early motherhood.
