I work as a support worker 15 hours a week while at uni and i have signed a contract for as much. I am therefore entitled to 1 month's paid leave per year. Unfortunately I am being made 'homeless' for the months of july, august and september and therefore must return to live with my parents over these summer months. I don't want to quit my job as when i return to uni in sept i will want to continue my part time job, but i can't work over the summer. can i take a career break?
Is there any way you could negotiate with your employer that they would pay your rent in temporary lodgings if you worked for them unpaid during the summer months? I think you need to speak to them and see if they can come up with any alternative suggestions. I don't know how vital your role is and what kind of industry you are a support worker in. If you explain the situation they might be prepared to allow you to take 3 months unpaid leave if you are a reliable employee and they know you will be returning.
If there are other employees, maybe you could do extra hours for some of the time, to cover othe peoples holidays, which would make it worth paying accomodation.
As Wendy says, discuss it with them.