Lynda Guy has been with the GM Housing First pilot for almost two years as a Housing First worker across Zone C (Tameside, Stockport and Oldham) for Jigsaw Support.
In her blog, she charts her journey as an HF Worker and her feeling on this crucial role.
“I’ve been working for GM Housing First for just short of two years and I can honestly say it’s one of the most rewarding job roles I’ve ever had – and I’ve worked in this field for a long time.
“Working daily with the most vulnerable entrenched homeless people within Zone C, I believe dignity and respect are the keys to helping people begin to rebuild their lives.
“You should treat people the way you wish to be treated and that is the only way you will be able to build trust with the person and create a relationship that will help them on the pathway to a brighter tomorrow.
"One of the strengths of the Housing First model is that everyone has a story to tell and their own history so everyone will have their own needs and our pilot is adaptable to help people prioritise their needs.
"There’s no quick fix to homelessness on our pilot. It requires a lot of time - often years - to relationship build, obtain trust and to find solutions to many difficult situations and barriers.
"Finding a home is only the start of the journey supporting with wellbeing is also the key to a sustained tenancy, the obtaining of personal goals and aspirations is also a key factor for successful outcomes and changing lives in a forward-facing positive way.
"My journey as a GM Housing First Worker has been a slow and steady wins the race process.
"I’ve had emotional ups and downs but that’s just part of the job. It’s deeply personal as you desperately want your people to do well and overcome their barriers.
"Thankfully, many of mine have been able to access the support they needed and begin to get their lives on the right track.
"Across the pilot, there have been so many successes and the number of people rehoused proves that the pilot is working.
"I, and all those working on the pilot, will never give up on those who have been given up on in the past.
"That’s how I’ve been able to get results – persistence – and the outcomes speak for themselves.
"There’s no doubt that the model works and I’m so proud at what we have been able to achieve – personally and as a team.
"Together, we are making a difference."
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