Community Housing Aid accommodations and deposit schemes in Devon

CHA provides solutions to the homeless and vulnerable, with an aim of addressing housing problems and also resettlement. The charity operates in Exeter, but can offer support in other areas of Devon as well. Some of the main services include rent deposit help from Smartmove, emergency accommodations for young people, and support for ex-offenders and the truly vulnerable. They operate from their office at Wat Tyler House, 3 King William St in Exeter, and people with a referral can drop in to meet with a specialist.

The main services provided are below. While not all people from Exeter will meet the eligibility criteria, specialists from Community Housing Aid can provide referrals as well. They partner with the local council in Exeter to resettle and also prevent homelessness in the area.

Services that include funds for paying deposits

Local councils can provide referrals to Smartmove, which is a scheme for the homeless. There is also assistance for families threatened with homelessness and that owe a rent arrears to their landlord. People that want to make an enquiry should contact their local council. Or, individuals that are assigned a social worker, they can contact that person too.

Smartmove will help low income individuals both find and pay the deposit on a new home in the private rented sector. Tenants will also receive ongoing advice and support from CHA for whatever problems they are faced with, whether it is access to training or employment. The programme is run for the entire Devon area, and property owners from across the city and county participate in Smartmove.

Resettlement is for people with a physical disability or maybe a mental health challenge. Not only can they get help in the form of housing support, but volunteers and specialists also address other needs. There will be information on how to apply for benefits, budgeting classes, access to volunteer services, and more. The aim of CHA as well as Devon Partnership NHS Trust is to resettle these individuals into a private home after they are more stable.

Accommodation Gateway is for ex-offenders in Devon. Referrals are needed from the Cornwall Probation Trust, however those individuals that meet criteria can receive assistance for a number for needs. Social workers will partner with the ex-offender to help them find and move into affordable accommodations. They will also help them find employment, and that covers activities such as CV creation and computer access.

If the ex-offender does not have any savings, then both Community Housing Aid and the Trust Fund can provide loans for paying a rent deposit. The applicant will need to agree to a repayment plan and satisfy other criteria, but there may be funds available for offenders to help them settle into a new property.

Advice and floating support is provided for a number of months as well. CHA provides this to both reduce homelessness in the future, and it is done as a form of reintegration. If needed this includes referrals to solicitors, agencies that help with debts, and other services.

Temporary accommodations from CHA

Emergency shelter is part of Nightstop. It is for young people that are homeless in Devon, Teignbridge, and nearby areas. This will normally lead to the person moving into a hostel, and then even getting financial aid for a rent in advance or security deposit from Smartmove indicated above. Participants need to be under the age of 25.

Other housing service from CHA is for people leaving the hospital. This is only a short term project for the Devon area. They can be provided temporary housing as part of Bay6. Clients can get advice, support, referrals, and floating support when needed. All housing problems can be addressed by CHA, but the aim is to give them a place to stay after they exit the hospital or clinic.

CHA partners with landlords and the council in Exeter to assist the vulnerable. Other aid many be provided, in addition to the solutions above, such as Community Advice & Support Service. Call them or stop by to get questions answered.