A Job Shop customer was helped to find a home and permanent job, after becoming homeless.
Rola, found herself without a home on returning to Coventry after looking after her sick mother and was living on friends’ sofas until Job Coach, Colleen, helped her.
Colleen is a Job Coach funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority Rough Sleeping Initiative and helps people like Rola, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, find suitable accommodation and help them to apply for work and any training they may need.
Since the project started in December 2022, over 80 people like Rola have received individualised support with an action plan including full access to Job Shop facilities, with around 20 finding sustainable employment. Those experiencing homelessness or at risk, are quickly referred to relevant services.
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said:
“At a time of major challenges in the housing and rental market, The WMCA Rough Sleeping Initiative has been invaluable in assisting people like Rola in crisis situations. It has not only helped put them in touch with the right agencies to find suitable places to live, but has given them confidence and options to escape the poverty trap.’
Rola now has a permanent job, her own tenancy and has even managed to buy a car, after being supported by the initiative over the last few months.
Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:
“Rola’s story is just one positive example of the tremendous support our Job Coaches, and in this case in particular, the WMCA Rough Sleeping Initiative, regularly provides for our residents. Anyone who lives or works in Coventry can pop into the Job Shop in West Orchards and can get help to apply for jobs, advice on training and help with CVs and interview techniques.”
Watch Rola's story on our YouTube channel