Chase came to akt, urgently needing advice on how to leave a controlling family environment. They were living in an overcrowded house and were sharing a room with their siblings. Chase’s parents were also disapproving of their plans to pursue a creative career and they felt unable to be open about their sexuality and gender. Chase felt they could not keep living in the family home and had to take steps to move. They were also contributing financially to the family household, which made it hard for them to save their own money.

Chase looked for a room in a shared house but struggled in London’s competitive renting market. akt was able to offer them a room in Purple Door – our supported accommodation project – where they finally had their own space and could consider how to build their future. Quite quickly, Chase found a house share with queer and trans people of colour, and akt supported their tenancy application with a Rainbow Starter Pack. Unfortunately, the guarantor fell through at the last minute, and Chase had to start their search all over again.

It was difficult for Chase to look for a place while they were working but thankfully, Chase teamed up with the same group from the previous house share, and they all found a house together. The landlady is a part of the LGBTQ+ community and wanted to help others. They didn’t require a guarantor or full credit checks through an agency – just their own affordability checks – and Chase was able to demonstrate themselves as a suitable candidate for the accommodation.

With support from akt, Chase has moved out into permanent accommodation, after 10 weeks at Purple Door. They are slowly unpacking and adjusting to a freer and more independent life.

Please help us make sure that akt can continue supporting people like Chase by becoming a supporter today. Thank you.

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We believe no young person should have to choose between a safe home and being who they are. If you'd like to support our work with young LGBTQ+ people facing or experiencing homelessness, click here.