Hope in the face of homelessness

Photo: Mikhail Nilov for pexels

It has been said that ‘we are only two pay packets from homelessness.' Whilst this statement may be an exaggeration, a good job and a nice house are no defence against a financial crisis that comes and wreaks havoc upon our best-laid plans.

Recently one of our chaplains was referred to a staff member by Human Resources at one of the companies he works with. This man, the father of a young family, was facing eviction from his home because he had fallen behind with his rent. As he was now in rent arrears, regardless of the circumstances that had brought him to this situation, the rules mean that he wouldn't receive any local council support and was facing homelessness despite being the carer of young children. Of course, Railway Mission is not in the position to help financially, but the chaplain knew that the Railway Benefit Fund was an organisation that would be able to help such an exceptional circumstance. The chaplain spoke to the Railway Benefit Fund, explained the situation, and we are so grateful that they agreed to pay off his arrears. This in turn has allowed him to find a new home for his family and meant that the council can assist with funding towards the deposit for the property.