Landlords for homelessness charity to compete with Shelter and Crisis?

Reply to the comment left by Robert M at 14/12/2022 - 12:06
So how do you assess the criteria for homeless? Are you taking people off the streets? Or does homeless include people who don't pay the rent somewhere else and wait for the council to house them? This isn't meant as a cynical post by the way, I am genuinely interested in what criteria you use to house people.

Reply to the comment left by Beaver at 14/12/2022 - 19:39Several question in one, so let me answer one by one:
So how do you assess the criteria for homeless? - We don't. We receive referrals from a range of organisations that provide services to homeless people, this could be statutory services such as councils and the NHS, but also homeless hostels, day centres, and street outreach teams. It is those services that independently assess the person as being homeless and what support they may need.
Are you taking people off the streets? - Yes, the majority of people referred to us are rough sleeping, or may be fleeing domestic violence or intimidation.
Or does homeless include people who don't pay the rent somewhere else and wait for the council to house them? - Some of the people referred to us may have been evicted for non-payment of rent, but very often this is due to benefit issues, unemployment, relationship breakdown, mental health issues, and other reasons. This means that they fall into the "can't pay" category, rather than the "won't pay" category, and that with the appropriate support they can become good tenants. - Most people referred to us do not qualify for council housing, hence why they end up sleeping rough and needing our help. --------------------------------------

I don't want to monopolise this thread, so if you have any further questions it may be best to make contact with me off this post. My contact details are on my website: https://choicehousingtrust.org/

Reply to the comment left by Robert M at 15/12/2022 - 10:31
You haven't been monopolising this thread. You've just been answering my questions. I doubt I'm the only person interested on this particular thread.

Reply to the comment left by Robert M at 15/12/2022 - 10:31
Robert, you are not monopolising this thread, you input is hugely valuable.

Good idea - I would be happy to host a zoom call about this. Who is interested? Could you let me know at suebird121059@gmail.com?

great idea in principle but I cant help thinking why should we as LL's actually do this?

By getting 'involved' long term we could be shooting ourselves in the foot. Just another way of the government meddling in something else at a later date?

Are we actually trying to make this easier for us or dig the government out of a hole? Is this their plan all along?

Reply to the comment left by DSR at 17/12/2022 - 12:08
I think we should explore the feasibility of it because Shelter paints us as villains and I think we could make a much better job of it all. We know the industry and we are realistic in that if you encourage and help "the vulnerable" you are simply asking for more of them. Whereas if you encourage responsibility and self help that grows. I don't think that politicians can run anything smoothly because all they do is score points and argue with each other. You never hear them say "great idea, let's make it happen".

In response to Susan Bradley - I completely agree

We are in the process of opening a lettings agency that will work with landlords who are willing to rent their properties to tenants who don't meet the criteria of a standard lettings agency and will provide the tenants a level of support to help them keep their tenancy, along with supporting the landlords.

Better still, invite Shelter to participate and when they decline, use it in the media.