You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
A first-hand account of Housing First
Hugh Andrews has been housed by Cube Housing Association as part of Wheatley Group’s Housing First programme. He explains how he has been getting on
Housing First has changed my life. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Cube Housing Association provided me with my flat around six months ago and it’s the first time I’ve had a home that I love.
The biggest difference with Housing First is my support worker, Scott, from West Dunbartonshire Council. I see him more as my friend than my support worker. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.
“Housing First has helped me turn my life around and things are working out really well for me”
Cube has been very good to me, too, especially my housing officer Sharon. It’s the best support I’ve ever had.
The flat’s great and I get on very well with my neighbours. I’m much more confident, I’ve put on weight and I’m trying to get my drinking under control, although it’s a lot better than it was.
READ MORE
I was homeless for 13 years. I won’t go into details but a family relationship broke down and I ended up staying in various hostels and supported accommodation.
Life was scary. People would steal my money, I was quite unhealthy, I’d lost a lot of weight and I was drinking too much. I was angry all the time, too, and getting into trouble with the police.
I had a temporary flat for a while but I couldn’t really manage and had to give it up.
I’m doing really well now, though.
Scott helps me with things I need for the flat, like furniture, and makes sure I keep it tidy.
He helps me get involved in activities like swimming or badminton at the leisure centre and we go fishing, too. I enjoy the peace and quiet and it’s good to have some time to talk.
One of my favourite places is the community garden. I go there on a Wednesday and we grow apples, pears, beans and more. It’s good being out in the fresh air and meeting other people. I would love a job as a gardener one day.
Housing First has helped me turn my life around and things are working out really well for me.
I’m part of a nice wee community here and I get involved in lots of activities.
I feel much more optimistic now. Housing First has given me a future.
Hugh Andrews, tenant, Cube Housing Association
