Tricia ended up in the notorious B&Bs on Gransmoor Avenue after more than 10 years without her own tenancy and 5 years of sofa-surfing which ended because of a breakdown in the domestic situation. She arrived at Justlife shell-shocked with her new place of residence and desperate to move on. She initially saw the Manchester City Council housing worker and was referred by him to the Justlife at Home scheme. Tricia was deemed appropriate for the service.Marie-Claire was referred to the Justlife Jobclub by Jobcentre Plus and on first meeting it became apparent that she was homeless and sofa surfing between Gorton and Longsight. Marie-Claire had recently arrived in the UK from France, originally a refugee from Burundi, but the job she came for had fallen through and she was looking to get on her feet again. She was referred to Justlife at Home by Justlife and deemed appropriate for the scheme.Marie-Claire identified that she would prefer to share with someone, enabling her to improve her English and not become isolated. Tricia was identified as a potential sharer, due to her history of sharing with others. The two women met and agreed that they would like to look at potential properties together.By choosing to live together, the pair increased their housing options and were able to find a spacious two-bed home on a nice street in an area that they were both happy with. Tricia was especially happy as the new house was close to some of her family.Furniture was sourced through friends, the Mustard Tree and the new Welfare Provision Scheme. The pair also received 'move-in packs' with sheets and towels.Since moving in Nigel has worked extensively with Marie-Claire to resolve benefit issues and support various problems. The tenancy is going well and both Tricia and Marie-Claire have made friends with the neighbours and enjoy sharing tea with them.Tricia and Marie-Claire are the 24th and 25th people to be housed through Justlife at Home, helping homeless people in Manchester access Private Rented Sector housing.
