Last week a 60 year old disabled lady asked for some advice on a facebook benefits advice page. It turned out that she was to be evicted from her home within 48 hrs. She had no-one to turn to for help. Although she asked for advice, and not help, it was obvious that her situation was desperate. She would have been on the pavement with her belongings, her dog, a tortoise and a walking frame. Although, previously in receipt of life-time award DLA, her PIP application was turned down and, to date, her appeal is ongoing. Her motability car was handed back two weeks ago.

For many who read her post alarm bells rang loudly. A few of us have been able to get together and offer some assistance. One person, her husband and friends drove up and were there when the bailiffs, and locksmith to change the locks, arrived. They were able to move her to 28 day emergency accommodation. They bought food and light bulbs and ensured that she had some electricity. We have also given her some money to help her over the next few days. Today those same 2 people moved the rest of her belongings and contacted her MP for help.

The temporary accommodation is 19 miles from her carer (who has no transport) and her most basic needs have not been met for several days. She now has 3 weeks before she's declared intentionally homeless and has to move to a homeless hostel. The problems arose when her benefits were stopped. She fell behind on rent, and after two months, the landlord took her to court.

She is now homeless with rent arrears, court costs and bailiffs costs. We are desperate to get these debts cleared as whilst they are outstanding she is classed as intentionally homeless and will have to go to a hostel. This is a woman who is intelligent, articulate and spent her working life looking after abused women and helping others.

It demonstrates that every one of us is only a step away from being homeless.

URGENT PLEASE HELP.

Even 50p would be great.

Thank you.