Receive email updates
24-hour Helpline0800 567 76 99*
*Calls are free from landlines but will cost from a mobile. If you call us, we will call you back.
Kent-based homelessness charity Porchlight has been awarded £160,000 to deliver a new service helping homeless people find a new place to live.
The service, which will operate in partnership with the local authorities in Thanet, Dartford, Gravesham, Shepway and Canterbury, is aimed at finding suitable private accommodation for under 35s who are able to live independently. Trained volunteer mentors, under the guidance of charity professionals, will not only ease the transition to the private sector but also help individuals for a period of up to year to ensure they can sustain their new tenancies. Pre-tenancy training will also be offered by the charity to make sure people have the skills and knowledge they need to cope.
The project is aimed at finding suitable private accommodation for under 35s who are able to live independently.
This project is one of over seventy new local projects across England that will help single homeless people find new homes and lasting independence, to add to an existing 49 that have already helped over 1,000 homeless people into a home. Crisis has allocated £3 million in total, provided by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG). In addition each of the local authorities involved are providing essential funding to help with costs such as rent deposits.
Chris Coffey, Strategic Manager at Porchlight will be overseeing the service:
“We expect to see a sharp increase in the amount of people looking for shared accommodation. This service is not a substitute for statutory support but a response to welfare reform and the changes to Local Housing Allowance for under 35s. Porchlight has been working closely with private landlords for some time and with the help of dedicated volunteers we aim to support people in sustaining tenancies and helping them to feel part of their local community.”
Crisis Chief Executive Leslie Morphy said:
“Most single homeless people have little chance of acquiring council accommodation and finding a flat in the private rented sector can be a complex and expensive option. They need advice and help, but in many areas of the country, these specialist services are simply not there.
“Crisis asked local voluntary organisations to bid for these new funds so that we can kick-start the establishment of new private rented sector access schemes. These schemes will help people overcome financial barriers, match them to good landlords and help more individuals avoid the perils of homelessness.”
To find out more about becoming a volunteer mentor visit www.porchlight.org.uk/volunteer email volunteer@porchlight.org.uk or call 01227 760078
###
Notes to Editors
For more information or to arrange an interview contact Mark Parry, Communications and Press Officer on 01227 813196/07734 595308 or markparry@porchlight.org.uk
- The project was developed in response to identified need by the local authorities in the service areas.
- The project in Canterbury will focus on helping people to move on from supported accommodation whilst the other areas will focus on homelessness prevention.
- Tunbridge Wells and District Citizens Advice Bureau have also been awarded a £40,000 grant by Crisis to deliver a Private Rented Sector Access service in their area. We will be working in partnership with them on this. Jan Obey, Crisis caseworker at TWCAB on ex-directory 01892-534328 or jan.obey@twcab.org.uk
- Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are leading the way to achieve greater access to private rented accommodation for single homeless people. With the support of the Department of Communities and Local Government we run a national advisory service providing consultancy advice and support to local authorities and homelessness agencies across the country.
- The Crisis PRS Access Development Programme will be an extension and development of this work. It will involve a programme of investment in new community based services to help single homeless people find and sustain good quality accommodation in the private rented sector (PRS). In addition to the DCLG this project is supported by the Ministry of Justice, Homeless Link and the National Landlords Association.
Date of release 30th January 2012
Leave a Reply
Website by Grow
