Jane was referred to us by a Missioner at her local Fishermen's Mission.

On the morning she was referred to us, Jane had received a letter from the county court informing her that she was due to be evicted in six days time due to rent arrears of £936.00. The client lived with her fisherman husband and his two children aged 9 and 13. Her husband had travelled out of the country on an emergency to see his ailing father.

The family's only source of income was £33.20 a week child benefit. Due to recent bad fishing in the area, the husband had been unable to bring home any substantial income and the fact that he was now out of the country meant that he was not working and therefore no income was coming in.

The client did not know what to do or how she would get a solution to this problem. She did not have money for basic supplies such as food and toiletries. Working together with the Missioner, and two maritime charities, SAIL was able to get the judge to postpone the eviction based on the fact that the client may be able to get assistance to pay off the rent arrears from a maritime charity. SAIL also helped the client to apply for Housing Benefit, which we established she was eligible for, along with other benefits, and this would cover their rent costs in future. The local Missioner also visited the client and provided financial assistance to meet the short term needs such as food and petrol.

The judge postponed the eviction for 28 days. In the meantime the charities paid the full amount of rent arrears and the clients claim for Housing Benefit was successfully processed.

28 days later, the client was in receipt of £228.20 per week in benefits and was also in receipt of full Housing and Council Tax Benefits. The Housing Association agreed to withdraw the possession proceedings and that no further action would be taken.

Jane and her family were able to stay in their home and are now happier and settled. The Missioner has also arranged to check on the family every few months to ensure all is well. Jane was very thankful for the joint efforts of SAIL, the local mission and two maritime charities that ensured she and her family had somewhere to live.