The positive steps we take to guide Fife’s homeless people towards independent living include:
- Identifying individual needs of vulnerable people who need permanent homes.
- Offering temporary accommodation within well-staffed accommodation units which are fully funded by Fife Council.
- Hosting workshops in independent living skills and events to encourage social inclusion.
- Guiding clients through everything from finding and viewing property, a deposit guarantee scheme, tenancy share options, healthy living and money management.
- Fundraising, through donations and The Cairn Centre charity shop, to provide everything from affordable interview clothes, toiletries and homeless starter packs for our clients.
By working together, we can prevent and ease the problem of homelessness in Fife.
Our clients' stories
Moira, 32, describes how emotional and practical help from Trust in Fife saved her from homelessness.
“When my life turned upside down, Trust in Fife gave me a safety net. As well as a warm place to stay, they helped me find my feet when my life deteriorated and were a listening ear when I felt isolated.
I lost my house in December 2016 after a mental breakdown. I made sure my son and daughter were well looked after by their dad and I sofa-surfed for months. But relationships suffer when you impose on friends and family. So I registered as homeless with Fife Council and was linked up with Trust in Fife.
I was assigned a support worker who helped me move in to the Oasis Project. Living in a hostel was daunting at first, but thanks to helpful and friendly staff I soon settled in. I learned about healthy cooking and had help to write letters.
When I had a bad day staff made time to talk to me over a cup of tea. Simple things, such as someone asking how I was instead of reading me questions from a list, meant so much to me. They arranged visits from a psychiatric nurse who works with homeless people. My physical and emotional health improved and confidence grew.
Now I’m staying in the Valley Accommodation Unit and have an offer of a property in a quiet area which will really suit me. My children are so much happier knowing I’m safe and feeling better.
I wish more people in situations like mine knew about Trust in Fife. I wish they realised the type of work the charity does for us. Without them I’d definitely be homeless.
When everything in my life went wrong, from my mental and physical health to my finances and relationships, Trust in Fife picked me up and showed me everything would be OK. I’ll always be grateful.”