|
|
|
|
The Lodgings Scheme …is for single homeless people who do not require ongoing support. The aims of this scheme are to: • alleviate homelessness by developing a range of affordable lodgings for single people for whom there is no statutory housing provision • find suitable lodgings through liaison between the client, referring Local Authority and landlord that will best match the needs of the parties concerned. • Provide confidential advice and support to clients and landlords
The scheme operates by Solo making contact with landlords who are interested in letting a room We work with the homeless departments of Broadland, Babergh, South Norfolk and Breckland Councils who refer to us single people who are homeless or about to become homeless. The Lodgings Team make early contact with the person referred and they are guaranteed an interview. This will take place in Diss, Wymondham, Dereham, Thetford, Long Stratton, Thorpe St Andrew, Aylsham, Sudbury or Hadleigh. A meeting elsewhere can be arranged where there is a particular difficulty with transport. If the person is not a suitable candidate for lodgings, a referral to providers of supported or other housing is considered, including referral to Solo’s own supported housing. A staff member will attempt to match the requirements of the person referred to the available accommodation on the register, but the landlord will always have the final veto on acceptance. Once accommodated, if the lodger is in full time work she/he will be required to make rent payments directly to the landlord on a weekly or monthly basis. A minimum of one week’s rent in advance is mandatory. If the lodger is not in work or is in part-time work we will help them to complete a Housing Benefit/Local Housing allowance application and we will ensure that all documentation is submitted to the relevant housing benefit department within the specified time limit. All the Local Authorities we work with have agreed to fast track Housing benefit claims for our service users, which minimises any delay in payment of benefit. Our role normally ends once someone has been successfully housed. Further advice and assistance can be sought from us by either the landlord or the lodger on an occasional basis. © July 2008, Solo Housing (East Anglia) Ltd. Web Designer: MRB i.s. Ltd. |
in their home. A member of staff will then meet with them to discuss the scheme, particularly health and safety, legal issues and the kind of people that they are looking for as lodgers. If the accommodation is suitable we will place it on our register.