Simon's story
Simon was living in his childhood home with his Mum, but when she died, the landlord increased the rent from £127 per week to £1,450 per month. When Simon struggled to keep up with the rent, he was evicted. He tells his story.
“I was working as a care and support worker, and I had challenges at work. I was being bullied at work, and I had a breakdown. I was really struggling, and at the time, my mum was struggling because she was in her 90s. So, we agreed that it would be better if I moved back in. I could support her, and it would give me a safe space, because of my mental health struggles.
"My parents had moved into the house just after the Second World War started. It was a rented property. It had been a family home for me and my siblings and always been a safe space.
"When she died, I informed the landlord, as you should do, that I wanted to take over the tenancy. I got a letter back from the landlord saying, 'Yes, you can stay, but your rent’s going up.' On benefits, I couldn’t afford the increase in rent from £127 per week to £1,450 per month. Universal Credit pay £524.99 a month which isn’t enough to cover the cost of living.
"I saw a Crisis advert, and I thought, 'I’ll give them a ring'. I went in, had my initial interview, and they put me onto Angela.
"Angela is phenomenal. She's been through all the paperwork, all the texts, all the emails, all the letters. She's supported me with applications. If the council offered me a place that wasn’t appropriate, Angela would contact them and say, 'Look, this isn’t appropriate because…'
"Everyone at the Birmingham Skylight has gone above and beyond. Crisis has been amazing. I've finally found a social home that is suitable.
"Working with Crisis, I realised that it wasn't just me. There are thousands of people out there in a similar situation.
"The Government needs to take action. More needs to be done to help private tenants. We need to prioritise building social housing."
By sharing stories we can change attitudes and build a movement for permanent, positive change. Stand against homelessness and help us end it for good.