Crisis funds new homeless project in Kent

Published by Porchlight for Porchlight in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Local Government

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.  

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