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The April Centre operates in Essex from two main locations. The main drop in centre is located in Colchester while they offer accommodations in Clacton. The assistance available from the charity is provided both to the housing vulnerable as well as homeless that are local to those towns or other areas in Essex.

The main services from the not-for-profit are noted below. Not only do they offer advice on addressing different housing issues or challenges, but practical support is also provided to the low income that are local to Colchester. So both direct aid and the signposting will help the client address their hardship.

Temporary accommodations are run by the April Centre at the location on Edith Road, Clacton. There are dozens of families that were using the sites. The temporary properties that can be rented, in which the charity manages them, range from shared houses with supported living to self contained dwellings.

The charity does require them to pay a portion of their income towards the monthly rent expense, but it will be a reduced rate. This scheme is effective for helping those that are sleeping rough to get off the streets.

The scheme will also partner the client with either a key worker or the the Colchester council’s housing options team. All issues which lead to homelessness will be dealt with, ranging from budgeting to job training. After a full assessment has been done on the tenant to see if they met their goals, the person may be able to resettle into a private or social property in Essex. The April Centre can assist with that as well.

Staff from the centre or the council will work on a case-by-case basis with the individual to relocate them. The aim of this is to help residents into permanent accommodation that is affordable and sage.

Tenant threatened by homelessness can also contact the organisation. The April Centre mediation scheme is used to stop evictions from occurring in Essex County. Staff will mediate between tenants and landlords in order to find a solution other than evictions. Whether it is schemes to deal with rent arrears or damage done to the rented accommodation, all issues are dealt with.

The April Centre also partners closely with councils in Clacton as well as Colchester. As part of this, for someone threatened by homelessness, they can help the individual apply for the Local Housing Allowance. Or they will review any other government benefits or even loans from local credit unions that can help them in their time of need. Other assistance from the outreach team includes form filling for welfare benefits and ongoing tenancy support.

The credit union loans, or LHA, can help the tenant pay their rent. The team at the April Centre can go over the application process with the client in an effort to improve their chances for approval. There are other schemes that can help with housing needs, as the more options the Essex resident has the better. Find a listing of other programmes that can help with rent arrears.

Practical support is available at the main office at Mersea Road and Colne Bank Avenue in Colchester. At this location the homeless can be given a meal or drink while they learn about the programmes provided from the April Centre. For people setting up a new home, items such as furniture or white goods may be given to them in partnership with charity shops. These forms of practical support can help the clients that are threatened by an emergency.

If someone needs free advice, or wants more information on the accommodations run by the April Centre, the post is 12b Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 7EX. The hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4pm. Call the housing charity at 01206 761647.