King’s Lynn & West Norfolk rent aid programmes

Tenants in King’s Lynn & West Norfolk are represented by community partners that help cover rent costs when disaster strikes. Anyone who cannot pay the rent and is concerned about a failed tenancy is urged to utilise available resources so that eviction can be avoided.

YMCA

Young people may have no other place to turn when an unexpected life event causes homelessness. The YMCA is committed to matching young homeless persons with available accommodations, thereby giving them a second chance to turn their lives around. Interested persons can contact YMCA at 01553 764573.

• Gaywood offers thirteen residential units to young people who share communal living areas with other residents.
• Woolstencroft provides an additional eight residents with housing while they learn budgeting and life skills.

MAP

The Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) can step in and help for housing issues that can lead to homelessness. Some of the ways that MAP can assist tenants is through helping solve arrears to prevent eviction or to find emergency shelter in case that you are forced from your home.

MAP provides these services at the Youth and Community Centre in King’s Lynn (Providence Street). For those who cannot travel, an adviser can meet at a closer public location. An appointment may be set by calling 01553 766086.

Council

Local residents may find that turning to a Council adviser may provide enhanced opportunities to access aid. Sometimes a person qualifies for housing benefit but does not realise it. A worker who lost their job many months ago may find that they are eligible for aid that they never could have received previously. A benefits adviser with the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk can help a tenant see what aid they are now entitled to receive.

West Norfolk Homechoice is a Council scheme operated in conjunction with local housing associations. Those who fall within the income guidelines may join the Homechoice register to be considered for a home that better meets their current budget requirements. Council may be able to assist with those who are having difficulty with a current tenancy and need to find a cheaper home that they can afford.

A mutual exchange is one possible option for managing an unaffordable rent payment. This is a special tenancy swap arrangement that is possible for tenants with the following housing associations:

• Broadland Housing Association
• Freebridge Community Housing
• Guinness Trust
• Minster General Housing
• Orbit
• Peddars Way
• Wherry

Other options are also a possibility for tenants in need of rental assistance. Help is available by calling the West Norfolk Homechoice scheme at 01553 616200.

Shelter

An appointment with a Shelter adviser could provide additional support to a family in need of rent aid. Local residents may call 0344 515 1860 for the local agency.

Citizens Advice Bureau

The local CAB is another objective source of rental assistance. An office on St Nicholas Street in King’s Lynn may be the most accessible to local residents.

Appointments are available by calling 844 499 4104, which is recommended over dropping in. CAB is often one of the best resources since they help with comprehensive advice, including debt, housing and legal matters.

The Hub

Homeless teens may get emergency relief from rent through The Hub. This housing facility is provided for young people who have no place to turn.

Staff is provided to help those admitted into the program figure out a career path or to get back on track with school and college. Funding for The Hub is provided in part by the Benjamin Foundation. Youth who need immediate help with housing may call 01553 777026.

Plaxtole House

Freebridge Community Housing has engaged with The Benjamin Foundation to provide emergency rent relief for young adults in King’s Lynn, some of whom have learning disabilities. The housing association may refer tenants to the program when they are unable to meet their rent obligations. Enquiries may be made by calling 01553 772734.

Right Tracks

Several community partners have joined forces to provide the Right Tracks program. Saffron Housing and the Housing and Communities Agency collaborate with both County and Borough councils to provide a refuge for young adults who cannot afford their rent. Those experiencing housing difficulties may call 01553 774444 to get help.