Help to settle in a new home

Cristina* has previously been on the streets and, more recently, sofa surfing. Now she is overjoyed to have been moved into social housing and has a job working ten hours a day in a nursery.

She had been doing her best to obtain household items for her new home but, being on minimum wage, she couldn't afford a cooker. The Housing Association couldn't secure any items for her, via its furniture package scheme, because she is not entitled to Universal Credit, so they asked the local Acts 435 Advocate if they could help.

The local Advocate posted the request for a cooker, which was quickly met, and has enabled Cristina to make a fresh start. She said:

“Thank you so much for helping me get a new cooker. I really appreciate your support. I had been really struggling since gaining my home and when I was offered this place I was over the moon. Your support has massively helped me and means I can settle in my own home now. This has also had a massive impact on my mental health, knowing that there are people willing to help and support people in my position."

*name changed