This is an abridged version - follow the links at the end to read the whole story.

When it comes to homelessness, there are many voices that go unheard, often ignored. This is harmful to us all, because it means that the disasters caused by precarious housing go unnoticed.

That’s why Caring in Bristol’s services are carefully designed to release people from the grip of homelessness, easing the pressure, and untangling the complexities of challenging housing systems.

Unnecessary trauma

Meet Hels. She’s experienced homelessness and housing insecurities over many years. Her story reminds us of the traumatic and unnecessary journey that too many people are forced on, because we still don’t have the systems and resources in place that make a safe, affordable, accessible home within reach.

Following a relationship breakdown, she had to leave taking just a few belongings and her dog. She explains, “I thought I had rights with the house because we'd been together for a long time, and we bought stuff; alright it was in her name, but it was my money. Didn't make a difference. I lost everything, including the money which was in her bank which was mine.”

Sadly, no one had ever taken the time to explain Hels’ rights to her. We find this in our community co-production work which gets vital information about our rights, helping to prevent homelessness and housing difficulties at the earliest possible point.

Precarious

Hels found herself with no roof over her head, then a series of precarious places to sleep and inadequate temporary accommodation. “I wasn’t allowed to have a microwave, and no bus went into town. [Once] I ended up in a place for a weekend where you have a bed, a fridge, a cooker, but no cooking utensils. I had no stuff with me, so how could I go and buy pots and pans as well?” Yet another insecure and precarious situation.

Successful actions

Hels experience of homelessness lasted many years, in many of its forms. She first encountered Caring in Bristol when we launched Cheers Drive, our Covid Pandemic homelessness response, and then later meeting the Bristol Goods team when they were operating a pop-up shop in the below-standard development where she lived. Starting with food as a vehicle for change, we provided support to enable Hels to address her challenges, with advice, information, and building her confidence to secure her rights. She recalls the moment she realised that all the actions that Bristol Goods had supported her with came led to a successful bid on a new home, saying “I absolutely couldn’t wait. As soon as I found out I started packing. When you walked into my room all you saw was box after box after box! I was ready. I wanted to go there and then.” Once she moved, our Early Doors service empowered Hels to manage her tenancy and finances, putting everything in place to make it a success.

Homes are a foundation

We asked Hels what needs to change to support people out of precarious accommodation and homelessness? She talks about the need for targeted, timely responses. “There should be more support around your housing. It doesn't matter if it's council or private or housing association. You have a problem? They should jump on it!” After all, our homes are a foundation for the rest of our lives.

From Cheers Drive during the Covid pandemic, to Bristol Goods, and finally to Early Doors; Caring in Bristol has been alongside Hels through each part of her journey to finding the dignity of a safe and secure home. This is something that we believe everyone should have.

We’re helping to make Bristol a more secure city to live in. Preventing a crisis is in all our interests, and Hels stands as an inspirational and hopeful example that a better future is possible.

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