The Scottish Government

These contributions to the Charter conversation were gathered by Fiona White of Transform Community Developments in Dundee, which provides direct access accommodation for single homeless people between the ages of 16 and 40.

Other establishments mentioned are

• The Lily Walker Centre, which is the main reception point in Dundee for homeless or potentially homeless clients
• East Port House, which is the Resettlement and Tenancy Support service run in partnership by Angus, Dundee, and Perth and Kinross Councils
• Positive Steps, a Christian charity which provides support services in housing and independent living.

  

Contribution from Thomas

Thomas was referred to Transform through the Lily Walker Centre.  He also has received support through East Port House and Positive Steps. He feels that the support he has received has been positive and has helped him in taking the necessary steps towards getting his own tenancy.

Thomas has never had a tenancy of his own but would like his first flat to be in good condition and to not have drug users in the tenement. He feels this should be the responsibility of the landlord. Thomas thinks that a good landlord would help with the maintenance of the property and would be understanding of their situation should he experience any difficulties.

He thinks a bad landlord would be someone that didn't care about their property or that the condition of the flat, if it is not well maintained, could make it difficult and unpleasant to live in.

Thomas Smith

 

Contribution from Steven

Steven was referred to Transform through the Lily Walker Centre in Dundee. He is still in the process of applying for housing but feels both the Lily Walker Centre and Transform staff have been efficient and supportive in helping him with this process.

Steven feels a good landlord would keep the property in good condition and would be able to help with any maintenance problems. He was happy with his previous council accommodation but wasn't sure who to contact for any help as he had not been informed who his Housing Officer was.

He thinks that having this type of information explained and made available would make a good landlord.

He thinks a bad landlord would be someone who does not maintain their property or the building it is in and who would move problematic neighbours into neighbouring properties. This could be detrimental to his progress.

Steven Curry

 

Contribution from Craig

This is the first time Craig has been homeless and feels the service he has received from Transform has been very good as he was happy to get a bed so quickly.

However, Craig feels that the 2 week waiting period to be registered homeless was a set back in the process of applying for permanent housing as it is an unnecessary wait.

When applying for housing, Craig felt very happy with the service he had received from Homes for Scotland as they were prompt to deal with him and helped him fill out all of his forms.

This was not the case with the worker he spoke with when applying for council housing as he felt she was hostile and suspicious of how genuine his case was. He also felt that the waiting list for the council was too long and that he was penalised for being a young single male as older people and single parents take priority.

Craig checks the 'Available Now' section for council housing on a daily basis but feels it is mostly only sheltered accommodation that is available, again going against him.

Craig feels that a good landlord would be quick to mend any repairs in the property, would be supportive with problem neighbours and would always keep the property in good living condition. They should also be reasonable about rent.

Craig feels that a bad landlord would have no regard for the condition of the property and would expect the tenant to be responsible for all the maintenance.

Craig Stuart

 

We'd like to thank Craig, Steven and Thomas for sharing their thoughts, and Fiona for co-ordinating and passing them on to us.

Do you have any experience of using homelessness services?  Do you agree or disagree with Craig, Steven and Thomas?  Please join the conversation and tell us about the good services you've received, or share your ideas of how these services could be improved.