Lisa’s journey with Housing First
18 February 2025
With stable housing and dedicated support, Lisa has regained her independence and is building a future with confidence.
Lisa’s story demonstrates how stable housing, combined with dedicated support can transform lives. After experiencing a decade of homelessness, Lisa was placed in a hostel in Shepherd’s Bush, before eventually being referred to Hammersmith and Fulham Housing First—a Thames Reach service designed to help people with a history of sleeping rough to settle into their own accommodation. The team offers immediate, specialist support to make sure people don’t return to the streets, and instead move effectively towards recovery and independent living.The im
As well as providing accommodation, the Housing First team provide support around issues such as healthcare, benefits, and training. By working closely with the local council, the Housing First team ensures that residents are placed in suitable homes within the Hammersmith and Fulham borough.
Lisa has lived in her flat since her initial placement and has greatly benefited from the continuous support provided by her Housing First lead worker, Mickey. “Having my own front door means so much to me—it’s amazing”.
Ongoing support
The ongoing support from Mickey has been crucial to Lisa’s recovery. “I see Mickey every two weeks, and if I need help, I can always call him. He helps with everything, from hospital visits to sorting out bills or setting up a new phone. His support makes a big difference in my life”. Mickey’s assistance ensures that Lisa’s everyday needs are met.
Mickey has also been essential in helping Lisa manage her health. “I’ve got a few health problems, and I have a lot of appointments. Mickey helps with transport, making sure I get to and from my appointments, and sometimes he even comes with me. That makes a big difference to my quality of life”.
“I just want to keep my life stable and enjoy an ordinary life”, she says. While she would like to take a computer course at a local college, her limited mobility has made it difficult to pursue such goals. For now, Lisa focuses on maintaining a comfortable home and a sense of security in her environment.
Lisa’s story highlights the critical role of Housing First in tackling homelessness. “It’s not just about finding a home; it’s about addressing the underlying issues and ensuring people have the support they need to rebuild their lives”. The ongoing support from Housing First enables individuals to regain control of their lives and move forward with confidence.
For Mickey, working with Lisa is about ensuring she has everything she needs to maintain her independence. “With Lisa, we made sure her flat was ready and comfortable before she moved in. Our goal is to empower the people we support by guiding them through every step of their journey to independence”, he explains. Your support can help more people like Lisa find stability and rebuild their lives. Donate today to make a lasting difference.