Eight-year-old Louis, his parents and siblings were staying with extended family in cramped two-bedroom flat. Desperate to get their own space, they were delighted when the council found them a temporary flat of their own. But their hopes were dashed when they realised their new home was infested with rats, and the mattresses riddled with bedbugs.

Overcrowded, unsanitary living conditions were making the whole family miserable and sick, and Louis’ mother, who suffers from a serious long-term health problem, was beside herself with worry for their wellbeing.

The dire housing situation was taking its toll on Louis’ education and self-esteem, too. His teachers felt he needed intensive academic support, and encouragement to build confidence, so they referred him to a Shelter Keys to the Future project.

We gave Louis one-to-one support with his reading, and helped him with his homework. The Shelter project also paid for him to attend a local football club, and enrolled him in an animation project, to improve his group working skills.

During this time, Shelter also helped the family find a permanent home that was clean, safe, and big enough for their needs. Louis’ schoolwork and confidence are vastly improved, and the family now feel they can finally put down roots, and begin afresh.