We first met Amanda* when she was rough sleeping in Nottingham. Her relationship had broken down and she had nowhere to live. She had been street homeless for several days.

She was found by Framework’s Street Outreach Team and was referred to Emmanuel House’s emergency short-term accommodation. She had somewhere safe to sleep and access to a shower, clothes and two meals a day and she was assigned a Case Worker.

When our new longer-term single-room accommodation opened, she was one of the first people to move in. She was supported to make a claim for Universal Credit so she could claim the benefits that she was entitled to, as her previous partner had controlled all of her finances.

She was struggling with her mental health and anxiety and was referred to Emmanuel House’s Wellbeing Support Team, who provided her with emotional support. After 5 weeks staying with Emmanuel House, we found Amanda a room in a local housing provider’s shared property, and supported her to move in. The room came with weekly support, which was an ideal next step for her.

Amanda is now looking for full-time work and more permanent accommodation and we continue to support her with her mental wellbeing.

Amanda’s journey from rough sleeping to seeking full-time work and permanent accommodation highlights the importance of wrap-around support when it comes to preventing homelessness. Not only did we provide emergency shelter, we also provided ongoing emotional, financial and housing assistance. Emmanuel House plays a vital role in helping people like Amanda rebuild their lives and avoid returning to homelessness.