TDS research informs project to tackle homelessness
- Admin
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The TDS Charitable Foundation has partnered with the homelessness charity DENS and Dacorum Borough Council to develop a project which will improve access to the private rented sector for people experiencing homelessness.
As in the rest of the UK, homelessness rates are rising in Dacorum (where the TDS headquarters is located). The shortage of social housing means that the private rented sector must play a role in tackling homelessness and meeting housing need.
The TDS Charitable Foundation conducted research to assess the current level of housing need and the state of the private rented sector (PRS) in Dacorum.
Off the back of this report, the project has begun to implement a range of interventions to support vulnerable renters in the borough to find affordable, stable accommodation in the PRS and sustain their tenancies.
What does the project aim to achieve?
The primary goals of the Dacorum wide PRS programme are to:
· Prevent and reduce homelessness
· Reduce the duration individuals spend in temporary accommodation
· Alleviate pressure on social and council housing
To achieve these goals the scheme has two key parts:
Enhancing access to the PRS, positioning it as an affordable, practical and sustainable housing option for those who are homeless, living in temporary accommodation, or residing in non-secure housing.
Minimising the number of individuals facing homelessness due to eviction from the PRS.
The programme sets itself apart from many PRS schemes by addressing both access to housing and prevention of homelessness. This is crucial to tackling the wider issues that can lead to homelessness occurring (rather than just focusing on rent arrears).
What does the programme involve?
The programme has five key work-streams:
Landlord liaison and support – developing and providing a comprehensive incentive and support package to engage local landlords to be part of the scheme.
Compliance – assessing properties for suitability to be part of the PRS scheme and supporting the landlord to know their rights and responsibilities.
Move on – matching clients moving from homeless services into suitable and affordable private rental accommodation.
Tenancy liaison and support – working with clients to maintain their tenancies and address fundamental issues that are impacting on their ability to maintain their tenancy.
Stakeholder engagement and referral pathway management – promoting the scheme to external stakeholders and the community. Ensuring clients are referred to the programme in a timely manner.
This innovative project fits with TDS Charitable Foundation’s aim of helping individuals in need to access good quality accommodation in the PRS and to develop funded projects based on research and evidence.
Watch this space for updates on the project’s progress!
