New Hope assistance programmes in Hertfordshire

Tenants on a low income and the homeless can get help from New Hope. The organisation provides practical support, such as free food and clothing, along with a number of housing assistance programmes in Hertfordshire. The team also works with the clients to help them find solutions to their financial hardship, and this is where HopeWorks job training is used.

New Hope is a Christian charity, but they assist people of all religions. The staff and volunteers that work at the Support Centre come from all backgrounds, including income levels, ages, and countries. The housing programmes and other services will not discriminate based on any factors.

Emergency accommodations and short-term housing

There is a Sanctuary Night Shelter for the currently homeless in Hertfordshire. This will provide the person to sleep for just one night. For more short term accommodations, up to 14 clients can seek help from their Transition Service. The programme will help first time homelessness and they can stay there for up to 28 days.

New Hope not only provides a bed, but clients can also be provided free food, clothing, and referrals to financial schemes. The volunteers will provide information on applying for Local Housing Allowances (LHA) for paying rent, the welfare scheme, and other benefits. In some cases a £3 per night charge is due. Call the shelter at 0300 012 0168, or drop in.

People with a substance abuse problem, such as from alcohol, can use the New Hope Community Home for accommodations. Ring 01923 831 923. This is a similar programme to above, but in addition the resident is provided the support of a keyworker from the church. They will help them overcome their addiction by creating a support plan.

There are several flats available at the Move-on hostels from New Hope. Examples may be the Alpha Court or Manse among others. This combines support with medium term accommodations. Clients can live there for up to 18 months. Not only may the person have a place to stay, but they are also given support around applying for rent deposit schemes, budgeting to reduce reliance on loans, employment, and studying. The hostels prepare Hertfordshire residents for the future.

New Hope emergency services

The most widely used is the helpline, which is available 24/7. The telephone number is 0300 012 0168. Staff based in Watford provide tenants facing homelessness information on programmes that can help them. They have a database of lawyers that offer free advice, council schemes, and charities that can help pay rent.

New Hope also provides Outreach and assistance from the Support Centre. There are volunteers that come across Watford and Hertfordshire to find the homeless and disadvantaged. They will bring them food, provide information on housing benefits, and even schedule medical care for them. Specialists from the Watford Borough Council also take part in the Outreach programmes.

Many of the homeless also use the Drop In service. While the volunteers may bring them a meal where they live, the drop in offers more extensive support. At that location that can get the medical check up done. Or free practical items are offered by New Hope, such as clothing or a parcel of food. The post is 4 Whippendell Road, Watford, WD18 7LU, or call 01923 801 382.

Tenancy Sustainment Team at New Hope helps people that rent their flat. The specialists will offer many programmes to the tenant to help them resolve any landlord issues. One service provided is applications to the Local Housing Allowance, which is used to pay for housing. TST also provides mediation to end disputes. Another is information on the Watford Borough schemes, including the council loans, that are available in an emergency.

Another key service is the job schemes at HopeWorks. There are both classes held online as well as by staff. The aim is to allow people local to Hertfordshire to develop themselves around employment and training. There are even some classes around bricklaying as well as Portable Appliance Testing. These classes in different subjects will allow them to gain a livable wage, which will go a long way towards paying their bills and housing. Call 01923 804 241.

The main New Hope centre is at 4 Whippendell Road, Watford, WD18 7LU. Families can call 01923 801382 for information, or ring the numbers above.