Meet Charlie
Charlie approached CAL for support after moving from Temporary Accommodation into permanent housing provided by Luton Borough Council.
Her new property was unfurnished, with bare floors and no essential appliances such as a fridge, cooker, or washing machine.
She was facing extreme financial pressure due to her health-related unemployment, ongoing debts, and limited income from Universal Credit and PIP. She required urgent assistance to make her home safe and functional.
A full assessment was completed including a detailed review of income and expenditure, her housing situation, any health conditions, and overall household needs. We provided guidance on additional support services, including Affinity Water schemes, Priority Service Register registration, Council Tax Reduction and Exceptional Hardship applications, Household Support Fund, debt advice services, and Universal Credit housing support.
Following this, we assisted Charlie with completing an application to the Heinz, Anna and Carol Kroch grant fund. Through our support, the client was successfully awarded £308.97 to purchase a washing machine, meeting one of her most pressing household needs.
This outcome provided immediate practical assistance, ensuring Charlie could maintain her home and manage her daily life more effectively. In addition, she was empowered with knowledge of ongoing support options for household costs, benefits, debt management, and energy efficiency, helping to reduce financial stress and improve wellbeing.