Scheme offers lifeline to homeless

More than 60 people facing homelessness have been thrown a lifeline in the last year thanks to a special support service.

Figures just released show that 64 people benefited from Amber Valley Housing’s Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme, to help them secure a roof over their head during 2009.

The scheme is provided by Amber Valley Housing’s Home Options team, which also provides a full range of housing advice to residents in the borough. The team’s success has seen them awarded the housing advisory contract by Amber Valley Borough Council for a further three years.

The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme covers the cost of a deposit on a privately-rented home for those at risk of homelessness and who cannot afford to meet the payment.

Among those to benefit in the last year is Tim Brogdale. The 38-year-old was working full-time as a packer for Wickes when a change in circumstances meant he needed to give up work to become a full-time dad to daughter Georgia, aged six.

Tim was living in a bedsit which wasn’t big enough for the two of them, and contacted Amber Valley Housing for help. The Home Options team put him in touch with a private landlord and helped him to secure a two-bedroom semi-detached house in Swanwick.

Tim said: “The team was great and found me somewhere within a week. If it wasn’t for them I don’t know what I would have done - I feel incredibly lucky. It all just slotted into place.

“We now have some stability and somewhere where we can feel settled. In time I hope to be able to find some part time work to fit around parenting.”

Sara Parkin, senior housing advisor at Amber Valley Housing, said: “In the current economic climate many more people are finding themselves at risk of homelessness as they struggle to cover their living costs.

“People often have a stereotypical view of a homeless person but it can be someone who has found themselves suddenly out of work, someone fleeing domestic violence or a younger person whose parents have told them to leave.

“Many are able to cover the costs of renting, but cannot get together the money needed for a deposit, and this becomes a real barrier to securing a home.

“The scheme is set up to give landlords a guarantee that they won’t be out of pocket in the event of damage or rent arrears, and gives those at risk of homelessness the kick start they need to get decent, permanent accommodation.

“We are pleased to have been able to help so many people over the year and continue to provide advice and guidance alongside financial support.”

The Housing Options team at Amber Valley Housing also works in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau to offer the Possession Prevent Fund, to help those struggling to cover mortgage and rent costs.

The team can also refer people unable to cover mortgage costs to seek help through the Government’s Mortgage Rescue Scheme. In the last year the team has helped to prevent nine people from becoming homeless as a result of mortgage arrears.

Amber Valley Housing’s Home Options team works with around 600 people a year in housing crisis and is a one-stop shop for housing advice and issues. The team offers advice on accessing affordable housing through the choice-based lettings scheme and can put residents in touch with agencies dealing with debt advice and legal issues. For more information about the team’s work and the help available contact 01773 573100.