Journeys to The Bond Board
Journey 1
- In a Salvation Army hostel for two years. Was on a waiting list for local authority and housing associations. “I was told by the local authority that I wasn’t classed as homeless since I had a place in a hostel.”
- Project worker at Salvation Army had mentioned the Bond Board but “I didn’t want private housing because of the price and the short tenancy.”
- Eventually made an appointment at one of the regular drop-ins the Bond Board hold at the hostel.
- “Within a month I was in my own flat.”
- Had a project worker for about five months with weekly meetings. Now is “signed off” support but can access it whenever needed.
Journey 2
- Became homeless through domestic violence.
- Went to a refuge for a number of weeks.
- Couldn’t return home. Also had health problems so couldn’t work and was in a financial crisis.
- Went to Citizens Advice first. They did not mention the Bond Board. Went to Bury Housing – “They could only offer refuge again but they gave me a leaflet about the Bond Board.”
- “I went to their office the same day and knocked on the door. They offered me support immediately.”
- “The Bond Board had regular contact with my new landlord and issued a Bond on it.”
- “I was asked if I wanted support. The support worker came to my house which was really important.”
- Now accesses support every two weeks.
Journey 3
- Initially became homeless.
- Staying in a private rented flat but was too expensive and poor living conditions.
- Was referred to the Bond Board through a doctors surgery.
- Got own property through Council after three months.
- Sometimes accesses support from the Bond Board.