A heartbreaking loss leading to homelessness

After losing his mum, Phil* became homeless and moved into one of our supported houses. With daily staff support, he began to rebuild his life and later progressed to a move-on property.  

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Rebuilding life with daily support

In the summer of 2024, Phil faced over £400 in rent arrears after a Universal Credit sanction. With guidance from his Cambridge Cyrenians project worker, he agreed to tackle his arrears head-on and committed to attending universal credit appointments. His Cyrenians project worker agreed to put him forward for reference to the council to get a higher banding if he stuck to this.  

Looking to a brighter future

Fast forward to today, Phil has zero arrears, and thanks to his hard work, and heaps of support from us – including a successful reference we put forward to the council, he is now on a Band A for housing. He is on track to start a new chapter, aiming for his own home in early 2026.  

Stories like Phil’s show what’s possible with a little bit of determination and the right support from our team.

*Name changed to protect individual’s privacy.

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