Work Ealing and the council’s housing service have co-funded a project to help homeless people – including rough sleepers and residents in temporary accommodation – find work. Delivered by our partners at Beam, the programme provides homeless people with funding and a supportive online community.
Ealing resident Piotr took part in the project and managed to leave homelessness behind. He was able to raise £4,495 from 84 members of the public to fund a deposit, first month’s rent, training and other essentials. Watch Piotr tell his story and hear how it has changed his life for the better.
Piotr says: “I was sent to Thames Reach who referred me to Beam in 2021.
“Beam sent me to courses, like CSCS card for construction, helped me find job, rent a flat – helped me change life actually. I had a problem with settled status. Beam got me in touch with solicitors who helped me to sort out my status, which I now have. If it wasn’t for their help, I’d still be living on the streets.”
Piotr continues: “I want to live a happy life. The thought of getting a job and getting a new place to live makes me so happy. The past few years haven’t been easy. I came back to the UK and it’s hasn’t been easy to find a stable job. For a few years I was living on the streets and working what cash-in-hand jobs I can find.
“In my life, I’ve always wanted to do everything myself. I never liked sharing my problems, but now I know that by sharing with others and asking for help, it can change things for me and save my life. With Beam’s help now I can focus on my future.”
When asked if he will recommend other people getting in touch with Beam and getting help, Piotr doesn’t hesitate. He says: “Of course I will recommend it. There are amazing people working there. If homeless people want to be helped, help is available.”
At the time of shooting this video, Piotr was preparing to start a new temporary construction job in a few days. After its completion, Piotr has been working in other temporary construction jobs and is currently looking for a permanent one with Beam’s help.
Councillor Mahfouz, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact that this programme has had on Piotr and Rob in getting them in warm and secure accommodation and work. Getting Ealing residents into good jobs is a key priority for us and we can achieve it by working with partners like Beam.”
Councillor Lauren Wall, cabinet member for genuinely affordable homes, comments:
“Even though we’ve had a lot of success in reducing the number of families who are in temporary accommodation, there is still an increasing high demand for it. Our work in helping Ealing residents into stable and affordable homes where they can feel safe and secure has ranged from building affordable homes, asking social housing landlords to offer tenants lifetime tenancies to working with partners like Beam.”
Housing issues?
If you or someone you know are homeless or at risk of homelessness, get in touch with council’s housing solutions team on 020 8825 8888 or 020 8825 8881, 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. You can also email housadv@ealing.gov.uk.
Get help from Beam
Eligible residents can be referred to Beam by their Ealing housing officer or support worker at a local charity. There is also an option to self-refer on Beam’s website.
Be part of the change
Beam support residents into a career and new home. You can help fund a homeless person’s training and housing and remove other financial challenges they face.
