Mara's Story - Hosting and London Lettings Network

Mara’s Story – Hosting and London Lettings Network

December 4, 2024

Hosting: Stability and Advocacy

After living in the UK undocumented for 20 years, Mara found herself homeless when her mother passed away, as she had no right to remain in their home in Brixton. She spent nine months relying on shelters and sofa surfing, a period marked by instability and traumatic experiences that compounded her vulnerability. Mara was eventually referred to our Hosting Project, which pairs vulnerable migrants with volunteer hosts, offering not only safe accommodation but also a sense of stability and compassion. Through this placement, Mara began to rebuild her confidence and trust in others. With the one-to-one support of Hosting Officer Sally, Mara was empowered to advocate for herself and pursue legal solutions. Just four months into her placement, she gained Leave to Remain in the UK —a life-changing milestone and the first step toward a brighter future.

With status, Mara was able to apply for Universal Credit, enrol in a Health and Social Care course at college, and begin working towards independence. However, navigating the housing system presented significant challenges. The Local Council accepted a homelessness prevention duty after reviewing evidence of her vulnerabilities and local connection. Still, the Personal Housing Plan they provided was fraught with unrealistic demands. Tasks like independently securing private rented accommodation, providing a UK financial history, or finding a guarantor were not possible for Mara.

The London Lettings Network: Finding a Home

Sally continued to support Mara in finding permanent housing. Using the London Lettings Network—an innovative platform developed by Housing Justice that lists rental properties accepting people in receipt of benefits—Sally was able to help Mara identify suitable housing options. The Lettings Network is designed to remove barriers to housing for people experiencing homelessness, enabling caseworkers to bypass the competitive mainstream rental market. We also provide people with upfront costs such as deposits and the first month’s rent to eliminate financial barriers for people like Mara. Through this resource, Mara found an affordable, good-quality flat within walking distance of her family, giving her a sense of stability and connection to her community. She is so delighted with her new home!

At Housing Justice, we recognise that homelessness is a complex issue requiring diverse solutions. That’s why we deliver a range of unique projects, from enabling community-driven responses like our Hosting Project to creating innovative tools like the London Lettings Network. These initiatives reflect our commitment to addressing homelessness and housing need in creative and compassionate ways, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to rebuild their lives and belong to a community.

Mara’s new home found on the London Letting’s Network

Why Was Mara Undocumented?

Mara’s undocumented status stemmed from the systemic challenges faced by many migrants in the UK. Many have fled conflict, persecution, or extreme poverty, seeking safety or a better life for themselves and their families. Others may have entered legally but fallen out of status due to complex immigration rules, changes in personal circumstances, or a lack of access to legal advice. These individuals often face tremendous uncertainty, living under constant fear of deportation while trying to contribute to their communities and support their loved ones. People like Mara often rely on their community and the third-sector to help.

Undocumented migrants like Mara often encounter immense barriers. Without legal status, they are frequently excluded from healthcare, housing, and education, while also being at risk of forced and exploitative work. Limited access to legal aid, language barriers, and systemic discrimination further isolate them, leaving many without a clear path to safety or stability. Despite these challenges, migrants show remarkable resilience, striving to build a future while navigating a system that often leaves them marginalised and unseen.

The Importance of Compassion

In a system and society that is hostile and overwhelming, empathy can make all the difference. Advocating for Mara required time, persistence, and an understanding of her experiences—qualities that every vulnerable person deserves. Offering support, whether through advocacy, housing, or emotional reassurance, is critical to enabling individuals like Mara to rebuild their lives. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of migrants and the impact that supportive communities and compassionate systems can have on someone’s life.

By sharing Mara’s story, we hope to inspire greater understanding and action, ensuring that no one is left behind in their search for safety, stability, and belonging.

What You Can Do

At Housing Justice, we aim to support as many people as possible. We believe in community-driven action and an innovative use of local resources to bring solutions to homelessness.

There are lots of ways to get involved, whether by becoming a Host or volunteering to support someone in your community who is facing homelessness. Find out more here: Get Involved

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