Local Homeless Man Given New Hope for New Year
Colleagues at CGA recently joined forces with a number of charities to help a local homeless man find accommodation and get the life-saving operation he needed.
Jack (not his real name) aged 27, was homeless and living on the streets of Preston. Jack was also suffering from a brain tumour and in desperate need of an operation. However, having no fixed address to be discharged to, his hospital was refusing to operate over concerns surrounding his recovery. Unable to provide the hospital with an address, his surgery had already been postponed twice.
Sleeping on the streets, Jack admits he would often go to Preston A&E when the nights were coldest, knowing his health problems at least guaranteed a safe place to rest for a few hours. However, unable to find a home and therefore get the treatment he desperately needed, Jack’s situation was looking increasingly dire.
Thankfully, things began to quickly change following a meeting at Preston Job Centre between Jack and his work coach. Wanting to help, the coach approached CGA colleagues Karen Hunt and Claire McKay, who were there conducting their weekly drop-in service for customers with housing and benefit related issues.
Understandably moved, the pair knew they wanted to help and quickly drew up ‘Operation Find Jack a Home’. After consulting with their CGA colleagues in the Allocations Team, they were able to find Jack a suitable property to live in. Karen and Claire then reached out to various charities for assistance, helping source him essential funding and household goods. Jack moved into his new flat just in time for Christmas and has been overwhelmed by the support he has received.
CGA Welfare Benefit Officer Karen Hunt, said,
“Everyone was obviously very touched by Jack’s situation. Help came quickly and it has been heartening to see so many people from different agencies come together to make a real difference to this young man’s life. Jack’s own determination to improve his life has been very evident throughout the entire process; doing everything that was asked of him; from attending appointments at the drop of a hat to always providing all necessary paperwork. We are very proud to have helped Jack.”
Finally able to supply the hospital with a fixed address, Jack was approved for his operation shortly after Christmas. Jack underwent surgery at the beginning of January and is currently recovering at his new home.