Gina was a client in 2019. We helped her and her two children find a home and a fresh start in Edinburgh.
I was a member of HM Forces. I left the Army in the late 1990s. In 2016, my family emigrated to Cyprus. Circumstances changed, and my marriage came to an end. Unfortunately, I quickly realised that being a single mother in a foreign country was challenging. I decided to come back to Scotland in 2018. I had to go through a Habitual Residency test.
I took action on what I thought was the right way forward for myself and my family but I didn’t understand how things truly worked regarding my housing situation. I presented myself as homeless with my local council; I received a gold pass, but it didn’t make any difference. They couldn’t find us a home. I was actively seeking private renting as well. Again, this was either too expensive or having children put the landlords off. All in, I contacted 22 organisations.
I lived with a friend for a while. We were living in her bedroom and it was a challenge trying to bring normality to my girls. We would go to school by bus, and I would walk a few miles back to save money. I was at a loss with everything. I felt like I was failing as a mother, unable to provide a home for my children. My mental health was affected, and I was questioning my ability to cope.
I was signposted to Housing Options Scotland. I had no idea they even existed.
One of their brokers made me aware of the options I had given I was a veteran. She helped me to apply to veterans’ housing and supported me throughout my journey. I felt she listened, and I felt comfortable calling and emailing. She would check in with me for any progress. I sent her everything I had to check over. I became a Military Matters client.
Things were becoming strained where I was staying. As if by magic, my broker asked the million-pound question, would I consider a move to Edinburgh? I was hesitant at first. However, I totally trusted my broker and I knew she was an expert in her field. She said she had found a property from the Lady Flora Hastings Trust for ex-military. After a quick recce, the girls and I were excited. Things moved quickly, from viewing the property (6 June) to signing the lease (13 June) and moving in (15 June). I will never forget how I felt knowing I had a home for me and my girls.
The burden of stress lifted almost instantly, life became exciting again, and Housing Options Scotland provided that light at the end of the tunnel. There was a lot to be done building our new home. I excelled in all of it. It has taken a few years to make it ours but I am grateful every day for our home. It is a beautiful Victorian house in a quiet and safe area. It makes such a difference to your well-being when you have that foundation of your own home.
Our home is usually bustling with friends and family. My girls have a lot of sleepovers here; it is a good space with lovely mature gardens. They settled into school and are now both in high school. We welcomed a pet cat to our home this year. We are nearing our seventh year here, and I can wholeheartedly say we will be here a long, long time. We truly love our home. I am friends with the neighbours who are also ex-military, the invisible bond of camaraderie follows you into civvy street.
I finished my degree in 2019, it was possible because I was settled. I then went on to gain my Masters in Creative Writing. I have written about my experiences, especially at that challenging time. This has been cathartic, and I am aiming to get published.
I am forever grateful that Housing Options Scotland exists; they truly changed our lives. I signpost, recommend, and assist with Housing Options Scotland Get Help forms for friends and acquaintances. I know the team is very experienced and they work extremely hard to find their clients forever homes. Housing Options Scotland is a vital support to anyone with a housing need in Scotland.