For two years, Alice and Katie had lived without hot water. No hot water. No heating. No sanctuary. Life had become a daily battle against the cold.
After meeting Alice, it was clear Ecogee could provide more support than improving the energy efficiency of the home. Our team learnt that Alice hadn’t been able to have a hot bath in 2 years and was struggling with her mental health. So our team knew this wasn’t just another project. The priorities were installing hot water and heating to create a warm space where Alice and Katie could finally feel at ease, but most of all, improve their overall well-being.
Our team created a long-term plan with Alice and Katie to clear their home of belongings, and quickly got to work with improving the energy efficiency of their homes through the HUG2 scheme. Including solar panel installation and an upgrade of the water cylinder to an economy 7 model – giving the family hot water for the first time in 2 years!
Once the essential new utilities were installed, our team went one step further to improve Alice and Katie’s livelihood. Our Tenant Liason Officer, Michelle McCormick led the way: “We have had many hurdles along the way, it’s been a complete transformation in so many ways for Helen”
Alice’s mental health and vulnerability meant our approach had to be different. There was no rushing in, no overwhelming changes, and everything was agreed with Alice and Katie. Each step was planned with care, respect, and her comfort in mind. To clear Alice and Katie belongings and make a clearer environment for the family, boxes were brought in so she could safely store her cherished belongings. Conversations were had gently to help Alice decide whether what to keep and donate, all done patiently to make sure she felt in control.
Bit by bit, our team with the help of our partners to make their home feel cosy again. We made room for work while protecting the items that mattered most to Alice and Katie. The small wins became big ones, and each day brought new things.
Arcus Consulting who completed surveys to Alice and Katie’s home saw it first hand: “Alice now has hot water after two years, and seeing her smile for the first time in so long was extraordinary. Thanks for all your help, it’s amazing what has been accomplished so far. Alice is having her first bath in two years and is looking forward to having working heating.”
Maria O’Connor, Operations Director at Ecogee shared: “This is why we go the extra mile. Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s expected. But because it’s the right thing to do. And because everyone deserves to feel warm, cosy and happy in their home. I’m really proud of all the efforts the team at Ecogee made supporting Alice and Katie.”
*Names have been changed for privacy
