What support is available after a house fire in social housing?

[Laundrybasketfull]

My dad, whose in his Eighties (but very spritely and with it) is in social housing and had a house fire over the weekend. Thankfully he's okay (he was out) and staying locally with friends. It sounds like it was quite bad although only effected the upstairs (although he did say roof okay), my sister is going there today to give him some support and help him out, I'll go down tomorrow.

Has anyone had any experience of that happens in these situations? He has a dog which I know he won't be parted with (he'd sooner sleep in his car which is what worries me). I've offered to have him here but I am 300 miles away and he really doesn't want to, both my brother and sister have 1 bedroom flats so it's not really a long term solution even if he wanted to (and they're both hundreds of miles from where he is).

When I spoke to him yesterday, he was very calm and said he was going to see the housing officer today.

Has anyone had any experience of anything like this - I just want to make sure he gets the proper help.

Thanks so much

The housing association or council should provide temporary housing whilst the necessary repairs are carried out.

….But sadly are very unlikely to be able to provide temp housing for the dog too. However there are organisations that may help take in the dog temporarily. Try Cinnamon Trust.

Thank you both.

Luckily my aunt has come to the rescue and has said he can stay there until he is sorted , and bring the dog! Such a relief as he wouldn't be parted from the dog.

Obviously there is still a lot more to sort out but this was my biggest concern for the immediate. Luckily he has home insurance - he is speaking to them today and the housing team were assessing the damage this afternoon.