“Over the years, being a tenant, I have never struggled with rent issues, that was until the pandemic started.
“At that time, I was struggling with some health problems, including cancer, as well as other issues. It was all causing me so much stress and anxiety, that I didn’t know how deep the hole was going to get, before I could attempt to climb out of it, if that was even possible.
“Due to being off work because of my health, plus the lockdown, I started to struggle financially, which then had a knock-on effect with paying my rent.
“ForHousing’s income team saw I was having problems and reached out to me. I was burying my head in the sand because I was so scared of losing my home, but they really took the time to listen to everything I had going on. The calm, patient way I was treated was a massive relief, when my worries and anxiety were already at an all-time high.
“Working together, we made a plan to reduce my arrears, as well as breaking down the housing benefit contributions, so I knew what I had to pay myself as the top up. This was a BIG help, as I have dyslexia, which made reading housing benefit award letters impossible – I never understood them. As soon as ForHousing realised I was dyslexic, they made a point, even to this day, to contact me each time there was a change in the award, to make sure I always know what my top up amount is to pay. By doing this, it helps me understand what my payments need to be so that I don’t fall behind again.
“Being listened to, and heard, was the single biggest thing that got me out of my situation and it has had a hugely positive impact on my life. I can’t thank ForHousing enough.”
