Homelessness Prevention Scheme - A Year On

A scheme which offers support to single people and families facing homelessness has helped over a 500 Hambleton and Richmondshire households in the last year.

The ‘Homelessness Prevention’ scheme has seen two teams set up in Northallerton and Richmond by the charity Foundation.  They work alongside Hambleton and Richmondshire District Council’s Housing Options team to resettle homeless single people and families aged 16+ into permanent homes more quickly - and prevent homelessness.

So far over 850 referrals have been received and more than 300 households have been supported.  Of those nearly 200 have moved on from the service successfully with the remainder continuing their support with the scheme. Another 200 short interventions have been delivered through the team’s regular surgeries.

The teams also work closely with a range of other voluntary and statutory sector agencies to provide a holistic service.

And through ensuring people receive the right benefits and are helped to supplement their income to enable them to furnish their homes, the team has increased income to people using the service by over £52,000.  A massive 96% of people achieved their goal of maximising income - with 83% successfully reducing debt.

“Of those who identified activities that would help them to enjoy and achieve in their lives by reconnecting with family, getting involved in learning or volunteering, 94% achieved their goals,” said Jill Boak, Hambleton Project Manager, Foundation.

“Eighty percent of those who identified they needed supported with mental or physical wellbeing did so. And support to stay safe by complying with statutory orders, avoiding harm with self and others and obtain and maintain settled accommodation led to a 96% success rate.

“Foundation continues to build on this success by delivering similar services to offenders, young people and more recently through the management and support of the council’s temporary accommodation for homeless families  - George Nickling House.”

To find out more check out http://www.foundationuk.org/ /Services/Hambleton & Richmondshire  or contact a member of the team on (01609) 767008.

• The scheme has been commissioned by the Supporting People team at North Yorkshire County Council on behalf of the North Yorkshire Supporting People Partnership.