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Supported living residents struggle to move out as Kingston lags 'light years behind' in affordable housing

Surbiton.com: February 20, 2015 - 7:00am

People who have escaped homelessness are struggling to take the final step from supported housing to living independently, the YMCA has claimed.

Residents at the charity’s Surbiton branch said that finding work did not necessarily pay because, even though they were earning, their housing benefit was reduced, meaning money they might have saved went towards rent instead.

Were it not for the YMCA they would be back on the street, they said. The Government pays YMCA residents housing benefit towards their hostel rent. Receptionist Rhoda Kizito, 29, suffered a bout of depression and then substance abuse that led her to the YMCA.

Former barman Barry Smith, 24, said his criminal record – though “nothing major” – has made finding work difficult. Before he moved into the YMCA, he lived in a tent in Elmbridge Meadows, the land next to the Hogsmill river in Berrylands. He said the cost of renting in Kingston means he may have to move away – even if he does find work.

Last year, the YMCA launched the Y:Cube, a 26sq m, self- contained, unit made for single occupancy, which the charity hopes will help young people who are struggling to get onto the housing market.

Read more: 
http://www.surreycomet.co.uk/news/11805972.Supported_living_residents_struggle_t...

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