An assessment that changed everything

When we first met Jasmine*, she had already spent a year in temporary accommodation. The council referral didn’t technically fit our criteria, but when Lizzy, a support worker from our Older Homeless Service, arrived for an assessment, it was clear we could be her lifeline.

Jasmine was disabled and living with only a bar stool and a child’s camp bed. She had no other furnishings or appliances - not even a washing machine, meaning she had to kneel by the bath to wash her clothes.

We acted quickly, sourcing a sofa, TV, and radio from our storage to give her a start on furnishing her home.

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A transformative shopping trip

Lizzy also discovered Emmaus’s “solidarity package,” which, for a £100 donation, allows someone to choose up to £400 worth of items. She arranged an appointment and accompanied Jasmine on a shopping trip, where Jasmine picked two armchairs, a dining table and chairs, a bed, a dressing table with stool, and a washing machine. Our maintenance team fitted the washing machine for her, making daily life far easier.

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Settling into a safe, supportive new life

Sometime later, Jasmine was offered permanent accommodation in Extra Care; independent living with care and support, based outside Cambridge city. Lizzy joined her for the viewing, and together they agreed it was the right place. The council provided a fridge freezer and new mattress, and all the furniture and appliances we’d sourced moved with her.

When Lizzy visited for the final time, Jasmine was comfortable, settled, and happy in her new home. Our part in her journey was complete, but her new chapter had only just begun, one filled with dignity, comfort, and hope. We wish her all the best for the future!

*Named changed to protect client’s privacy.

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