I can’t believe it’s happened again

[Booboobooboo84]

I’m desperately trying to get myself moved out of a domestic violence refuge. I’m unable to work while here due to the rent being £300 pw so have to rely on benefits. Just saying as don’t want to dripfeed or for it to look like I’m expecting a handout. I just hope for a handup so that I can get back to work. I only intend to need to claim hb for my first month in the new flat.

My issue is I keep getting to the top of the list and the housing associations ask for 2 months rent upfront. Not a problem the council can arrange this within about 72 hours. I currently live on £56 pw after paying service charges so saving £1200 is out of my reach.

My aibu is I’m just so distraught at the fact that the housing associations only give you a day to find the money despite knowing it will take the council 72 hours. So in the last few weeks I’ve been offered 4 suitable flats (and I would snap up anything at all) but not one housing association will give the time needed to raise the 2 months. Even with the housing officers intervention. One today even sent me armed with a letter committing that the council will pay any costs but the housing association was like nope cash or nothing.

I’m going to be in this refuge forever aren’t I. I can’t move to a different area as the home office chose this one for my own safety. I’ve looked into a gofundme but can’t do anything that might identify me pubically for my own safety.

I just don’t know if I’m being ur to think it’s so so wrong

Can't the refuge help with that kind of thing? Not financially, but in terms of getting it agreed? It must be a common problem, mustn't it?

Can your support worker or someone at the council contact someone more senior at the housing association? It sounds like a case of ‘the computer says no’.

Good luck in getting your life back on track.

Thanks both but no that’s all been tried. It just seems that the housing associations don’t really care who goes in the house they just want the quickest person. And there are no actual council properties left in the area.

Call Citizens’ advice- they have expertise in dealing with this.

@rosamund1 they are at their wits end too. Nothing they can do to force a housing association to change its policy.

God that's awful. MP? I would say shout about this from the rooftops to highlight the issue but it sounds like you can't for safety reasons.

Have you got dependents with you? Otherwise could you look for some sort of live in job that would allow you to save? Maybe social care? Or would that knock you off the top of the list? Otherwise could you borrow from somewhere like Oakham or Providence short term? I know it’s not ideal but it’s all I can think of.

Can you get someone else to set up a go fund me? I'd be happy to give - I know it's so hard being in a refuge and trying to start again. I don't know if it's possible to do something like that anonymously.
So sorry you're going through this.

That’s just stupid. I’d definitely contact your MP. Can’t the council have the funds pre approved and then do a bank transfer? That would be the simplest solution wouldn’t it? Seems so unfair when someone is trying to get ahead and their ‘rules’ just block you at every turn 😕

Find out who is the head honcho of the housing association and email them with your specific issue. Ask them if they were aware of these clashing time scales and what they can do both to make it easier for DV victims to get into HA homes and for your specifically right now.

Budgeting lone? Don't think that will be very helpful though as you would still need to save go 400 odd.

What a ridiculous state of affairs. These people really couldn't organise the proverbial piss up in a brewery could they. I would definitely contact your MP as public organisations really jump to attention normally then. I am so sorry about your plight.

Budgeting loan could help you raise some funds. Apply to a charity for a grant?

Is there any way money can safely be extracted from your XP? Did you leave any valuables behind when you went into the refuge: if so, could someone collect them on your behalf? Or was your house bought rather than rented, and could a sale of it be forced?

Please do email your MP

Is it possible that the council could authorise the payment in advance and give the money to your social worker (if you have one) or the refuge or a similar suitable third party to hold?

It is utterly ludicrous...but I'm not surprised...
It is a situation that homeless people both sexes get too...they need large wad of cash but can't get that without getting work which they can't get without having accommodation......and UC is making it worse...

Somebody must have come across this problem before. Because it's a catch 22. Can you borrow the money from a member of your family or from your XP. Or even get an overdraft from the bank.

Do any of your family have a military career history, even grandad doing national service?
If so, contact SSAFA as they can help, they might provide a loan on the basis it's paid back by the council. They have access to a number of trusts etc.
Good luck.

Contact your MP and call every single charity relating to DV as they may have grants or crisis money available for you. Speak to the head of housing in your Council. Go straight to the top.

Also charities relating to your previous career sector can help too. Check out Turn2us.org.uk and use their grant search tool. They also have a free phone helpline.

YANBU

I agree with going to your MP, local councillors and senior people in the Council and Housing Association.

MP doesn’t really care to be honest, one record as saying he’d rather the dv refuge wasn’t here because then the dv problem would be resolved. So I’ve written but I’m not holdignout much hope.

I’m not entitled to a budgeting loan as I have contribution based benefits as I’ve paid enough tax.

Can’t have oakam or providence as they are doorstep lenders and can’t give out refuge address. Can’t apply for other credit as my identity has been changed so I won’t be eligible for credit beyond a mobile contract until August.

I can’t get help from family as that’s who was inflicting the dv. So no ex-p either to get assistance from. There is military background but again that would involve my family finding my identity.

I’ve applied for countless grants and bursary’s and they have actually been fabulous but they are for specific things. So I’m actually furnished and everything from grants and bursary’s.

I guess a gofundme could be set up but I don’t actually know anyone to set it up. I had to cut contact with Just about everyone in my life.

Sorry to be so negative back. I really appreciate all your answers

OP you're in a rubbish situation. If I were you I'd contact your local MP or councillor (go to www.writetothem.com and put in your postcode to find out who they are). If they're any good they should raise hell with the housing association on your behalf. Both DP and I used to be councillors and often dealt with these sort of things - in one similar situation after nothing else worked, I went and sat in the director of housing's office and refused to leave until SHE personally resolved it- 35 minutes later job done!! People can do things - they just have to have the right motivation kick up the ass

I'd also talk to the people in charge of the refuge to see if they can suggest anything. Don't take this the wrong way but they probably want you out as they are sure to have people queing up for your place.

I hope you get something sorted soon - sometiems the bureaucrats who write the rules seem to have no idea how real people live.