Rent help in Cannock, Rugeley & Hednesford

Residents who live within the Cannock Chase district are able to receive emergency help with rent thanks to a few local agencies. These agencies work to ensure that no local resident is forced into homelessness, even if they lose their job or experience some other crisis.

Emergency Shelter

The Rugeley YMCA can provide emergency shelter for those who have no place to sleep. This is a temporary accommodation that can be relied on in the case of a short-notice emergency. Call 01889 585232 for directions.

A number of youth hostels and other supported accommodations are also available. The Rugeley YMCA can provide more information about these as well as to provide a referral.

Housing Options

Free housing advice is offered through The Civic Centre in Cannock. This facility is host to the Cannock Housing Options Team. The Housing Options Team also maintains an office in Rugeley.

Any local resident that needs help with housing may call 01543 462621 for a free counselling and advice session. An appointment may be scheduled at either location.

The Choice Based Lettings Scheme is known as UChoosehomes. As is the case with other schemes, each applicant may be grouped according to a priority band. This band takes into account specifics about the family’s situation which can be used to determine best fit and urgency of placement into suitable housing. The Council can assist with enrollment into the UChoose Scheme.

Housing Association

Local housing units are allocated to those with special needs. Additionally, some households may benefit from supported housing through designated housing associations.

• Accord has 7 supported housing units for Seniors. Call 0121 568 3900 for information on these 1-2 bedroom flats in Newhall Gardens and New Penkridge Road.
• Anchor Trust maintains 27 supported housing units in Cannock. Call 0845 140 2020.
• Beth Johnson Housing administers over 200 units on behalf of the Sanctuary Housing Group, of which 62 are designated as supported housing units. Call 01782 219200 for vacancy information on flats in Hednesford and Rugeley or family houses in Cannock, Hednesford and Rugeley.
• Single bedroom flats are administered by Midland Heart. A total of 178 of the 534 flats are reserved as supported housing units. These flats are located across the district, with most located in Cannock, Hednesford, Rawnsley and Rugeley. Call 0345 60 20 540 for more information.

Birch & Samson United Charities

At least seven almshouses are maintained by Birch & Samson United Charities. These modest homes provide a permanent home for extreme low income residents who cannot afford to pay normal rent prices. Call 01889 576107 for information about any possible vacancies.

Hopkins and Sneyd Almshouse Charity

Almshouses can house 43 residents in the local area. Call 01782 203515 for information on supported housing and residential help for Seniors.

Churches Housing Coalition

Up to four weeks rent in advance may be paid by the Churches Housing Coalition on behalf of local residents who need help moving into a new rental property. The funds may be used towards the total move-in costs, which typically include advance rent paid for the first month.

While a similar payment is normally due the landlord to cover rent deposit, their Deposit Guarantee Scheme provides a promise to pay the landlord for damages or unpaid rent arrears. It provides quite a bit of protection on behalf of residents who need help to move in. It allows them to free up their cash, and the rent assistance schemes from Churches Housing Coalition helps may tenants on a low income.

Depending on the amount established by the Local Housing Allowance, the Churches Housing Coalition will provide four times that amount. The funds allow for those without savings to provide the funds needed to move in. Call 01543 462621 to schedule an appointment with a coalition volunteer.