Andy and Liz’s story: We moved into our own home thanks to Keystage Housing

After moving to Letchworth following the breakdown of a relationship, Liz met Andy who was sofa surfing having also experienced a break up. After falling in love, they found themselves homeless together, often staying on Andy’s Mum’s living room floor. Their situation didn’t get better and they sofa surfed for 12 years, with no permanent address.

During that time, Andy and Liz managed to move into a privately rented studio flat. However due to its very poor upkeep by the private landlord resulting in terrible damp, Liz suffered many chest infections and her GP advised them to find alternative accommodation. Despite contacting their landlord on numerous occasions to no avail, Liz and Andy had no choice but to move out, facing the prospect of homelessness yet again and taking refuge where they could on friends’ and family’s sofas.

Thankfully, both Liz and Andy had been on the council register at various points over those 12 years which meant that when Keystage’s PAIRS site – the Lord Lister – opened in Hitchin during the winter of 2021, Liz and Andy were offered a room, complete with their own bathroom, shared kitchen and 24 hour support.

“We found out about Keystage through the North Herts District Council referral scheme. As you can imagine, we were thrilled when we were offered a place at Keystage Housing. Finally, after 12 years of sofa surfing we finally had our own room. Not only this but we felt welcomed immediately. The staff were amazing, and I remember Andy saying he had never seen so many decent people in one place. They helped us in every single way” recalls Liz.

It wasn’t just a room and support that Keystage provided them. It was the behind the scenes work the staff did to ensure Liz and Andy were enrolled onto the right schemes and benefits programmes to ensure they were on a long-term positive pathway. “Within 2 weeks of arriving at the Lord Lister, we had been offered council accommodation. We stayed with Keystage for another 6 months and then we finally moved into our own home.”

Liz and Andy thrived at Keystage. “My confidence really grew during our time at the Lord Lister. We made some nice friends who we’re still in contact with, and the staff still stay in contact with us. Andy pops into Keystage at least once a week to have a chat with everyone. They are like family and we will never forget them!”

Andy and Liz are looking forward to a bright, positive future. “We are really happy in our new home and we can’t wait to create a settled life here, where family can visit. We owe a lot to Keystage, and want to thank all the staff for everything they have done for us. If it wasn’t for their supportive, friendly, genuine and honest nature, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

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