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64
Families which have actually become homeless have often lost their
initiative and sense of responsibility. Most authorities maintain that the
longer the causative factors have existed the more unrewarding and time
consuming will be the social workers' task of rehabilitation. Consequently
efforts are more productive when directed towards families who have not
actually become homeless.
In many instances, visits by the social worker to landlords and relatives
result in some measure of agreement and eviction is prevented. In addition
the better understanding obtained results in a lessening of tension for all
concerned. On other occasions, preventive measures are indicated when,
for example, a family is beginning to fall into arrear with their rent. On
these occasions the social worker has worked closely with the family in
order to obtain a more realistic use of the money available and ensure
that the payment of rent is regarded as a priority.
All families in hostel accommodation are visited regularly and efforts
are made to encourage them to pursue any course which may provide a
solution to their problems. At the same time as the social worker advises
on the immediate problem of accommodation, attempts are made to
identify and then eradicate the causative factors. Whilst much has been
achieved with the available staff, the impression is that a few families
would benefit from the concentrated help of a social work team able to
devote their entire energies to their problems.
Accommodation
When the Borough became responsible for homeless families in Harrow
on the 1st April no accommodation whatsoever was made available
by the former County Authority.
A house in Angel Road was borrowed from the Housing Committee
and this provided accommodation for three family units. Considerable
difficulties were experienced at this unit as all families were sharing the
same kitchen. At first, husbands were also accommodated.
By June, a large empty house had been converted into six family
units with kitchen facilities for four families. It was decided not to accommodate
husbands and the first family moved into residence on the 24th
June.
To enable the fullest possible use to be made of temporary accommodation
available through the Borough, an agreement is signed on admission
by the applicant to the effect that:—in the first instance the
accommodation is available for one month and continued residence is
subject to efforts being made by the applicant to obtain other accommodation.
Towards the end of the year, another property became available for
use by homeless families as a "half-way house". This was loaned by the
Housing Committee and whilst not up to the standard of housing normally
provided by the Borough, this type of property enables families to be reunited.
Moreover, whilst they are waiting their turn on the normal housing