Housing Report 2024–2026

Overview

During the re-housing process, we manage all logistical aspects of relocation, sourcing essential items such as beds, kitchen utensils, and furniture. By doing so, we help restore dignity to individuals and families fleeing abuse.

Where possible, we prioritise keeping our clients housed within London to reduce the risk of social isolation and disruption to support networks. However, relocation outside of London is arranged when requested or when safety considerations require it, as in the case of Sarah* and her children.

Many temporary housing properties are privately owned rather than part of the social housing system and repairs are often required. As these properties are not always directly managed by the council, Cassandra Centre takes responsibility for ensuring that necessary repairs are completed and that properties meet appropriate living standards.

We also support women with complex needs. For example, Eva* had chronic health conditions, children with disabilities, and faced a language barrier that had prevented her from accessing appropriate support. While we were able to help Eva secure a new home, we also ensured that the property was suitably adapted to meet the needs of her and her children.

Our work goes beyond securing housing, we help to transform empty spaces into homes.

In addition to housing support, we assist clients in navigating housing benefits, Universal Credit, and council tax systems. We also support families as they resettle into new communities, schools, and religious or cultural networks to promote stability and long-term wellbeing.

Key Statistics (2024–2026)

Rehousing and Relocation

  • 2 elderly individuals re-housed
  • 1 teenage mother supported to secure housing
  • 1 client transitioned from street homelessness to permanent housing

16 Families Relocated

  • Thirteen families (mothers and children fleeing violence) relocated within London.
  • Three families (mothers and children fleeing violence) relocated outside of London.

4 Single Adults Re-housed

  • Three single individuals re-housed within London.
  • One single individual re-housed outside of London.

Education Progression

  • We supported 4 women in their transition to university education, demonstrating stabilisation outcomes beyond immediate housing intervention.

Case Study Summary

Our client Anna* experienced street homelessness. While the Centre was operational, she relied on StreetLink referrals and volunteer-led emergency accommodation. On one occasion, she was placed in a private residence where she felt unsafe and uncomfortable.

As she approached the age cut-off for certain services, she was moved into hostel accommodation. However, safeguarding concerns required an urgent relocation. Our Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) persistently advocated on her behalf, resulting in her being granted temporary accommodation, which was later converted into permanent housing.

Complex Needs and Advocacy

A significant proportion of clients presented with intersecting vulnerabilities, including:

  • Chronic health conditions
  • Children with disabilities
  • Language barriers
  • Safeguarding risks in shared accommodation
  • Street homelessness
  • Age-related service cut-offs

In cases involving privately owned temporary accommodation, Cassandra Centre frequently intervened to:

  • Escalate and secure property repairs
  • Liaise with landlords and managing agents
  • Advocate with local authorities where council oversight was limited

Privately leased temporary accommodation is often significantly more expensive than council-owned housing, creating additional financial strain on the public system and increasing housing instability risks.

Types of Housing Accessed

Temporary Accommodation (Private Landlords)

These properties are privately owned and may be managed by either the local council or an external organisation. When leased from private landlords, costs are often significantly higher than social housing rates.

Council-Owned Temporary Accommodation

These properties are owned and managed by the local authority, which is responsible for property management and council tax arrangements.

Systems Impact

Our work extends beyond securing accommodation. We mitigate systemic barriers that prevent survivors from sustaining tenancies, including:

  • Inaccessible benefits systems
  • Language barriers
  • Lack of disability adaptations
  • Poorly maintained temporary housing
  • Fragmented safeguarding responses

By providing holistic housing stabilisation support, Cassandra Centre reduces the likelihood of:

  • Repeat homelessness
  • Return to abusive environments
  • Educational disruption for children
  • Increased demand on emergency services

Summary Impact (2024–2026)

  • 20+ individuals and families directly re-housed
  • 16 families protected from domestic abuse through relocation
  • 1 street homeless client transitioned to permanent housing
  • 4 women progressed into higher education
  • Multiple properties repaired or adapted to meet health and safeguarding standards

*All names have been changed to protect anonymity.