Funding for our East Lancashire Homeless Families Project is being renewed for another two years following a 100% success rate. The service supported 48 families over the last 22 months, with all clients going on to maintain their own tenancies.
Our East Lancashire Homeless Families project has been housing and supporting clients since April 2019. We utilise a number of properties provided by Calico Homes spanning Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle and Rossendale. We accommodate families who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness, supporting clients into their own accommodation when ready.
“I lived in a caravan in poor conditions with my young children and had to use the oven and blankets to keep us all warm. I spoke to the housing options team and was temporarily accommodated into a B&B. Finally, the phone call came…… there was a property I could move in to and call home temporarily.
My support worker came and visited me every week and she honestly changed my life. I have since moved into my own permanent private rented accommodation. I honestly don’t have enough thank you’s for everyone involved to ensure me and my boys have a safe, warm place to live.” Former client
Recently, we’ve witnessed a rise in referrals from families losing their homes through evictions, rent arrears, relationship breakdown, domestic abuse and mental health issues. These and other difficulties have only worsened as a result of the pandemic. The latest Government figures confirm this, showing that the number of households with children becoming homeless increased by 28% in England last summer alone.
Our support workers help families develop independent living skills and ensure that the needs of any children are met.
“I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me and my children. To some people, a job is just a job but you are truly amazing and an inspiration. You have picked me up when I have been down and gave me courage and determination to carry on when I have felt like giving up. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!“ Former client
While Covid-19 is a huge challenge, our staff are continuing to provide support safely following training. With many shops closed, social enterprise Furniture Matters stepped in to help us access furniture for move on homes.
If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of homelessness, you can access our service through Housing Options Teams in Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Hyndburn.