DENS helps the low income in Hertfordshire

There are several services provided by DENS to families on a low income as well as the homeless in Hertfordshire. The place to turn to for advice and to apply for the services is their Day Centre in Dacorum, and this is where a social worker or a volunteer will meet with the applicant. They will explore all of the programmes available, ranging from basic needs such as food to job training from Equipped to Change.

The Trussell Trust and DENS partner together to provide free food parcels to anyone facing an emergency. Clients need to have a voucher to use this service, and if they are qualified, then up to 3 days of groceries will be given to them. There will also be a parcel provided for children or other members of the household as well. The voucher can be given by not-for-profits such as Citizens Advice Bureau or Family Link.

People of all backgrounds from Hertfordshire use the foodbank. It is for families with a reduction in their benefits or children on holidays that do not have their free school meals. Other users of the DENS service are people impacted by a job redundancy or those living in hostels.

If someone from Hertfordshire needs another parcel from the food bank, then this may be available. However the staff from DENS will ensure the applicant is taking steps to address the cause of their hardship. So any type of long term food assistance will require the client to budget and pay down debts as well as seek employment.

Rent Aid is a financial assistance programme that helps pay for the deposit or rent in advance on a new home. DENS will assist the homeless or someone on a low income that is moving into a more affordable private sector home.

There are only certain properties that can be selected in Hertfordshire, as the landlord needs to enroll as well. For the deposit, the landlord will need to agree to a bond guarantee that will last up to two years. In some cases, a formerly homeless person will move into shared housing.

The scheme is only for residents with some form of income or on benefits. This is required as tenants are responsible for paying their rent in the future, as well as other housing costs such as council tax and utilities. The aim of the scheme is help people achieve independent living. To apply for Rent Aid, DENS will require the client to have a referral as well as participate in ongoing tenant support from Equipped to Change. They will need to find a job or address any problems they are facing, whether mental illness or some other barrier.

The Day Centre is the place for information and applications. People from Dacorum or nearby towns can meet with a social worker. They will learn about the services above, such as the food bank, or get practical support, including shower or a meal. If found to be eligible, applicants will be referred to DENS programmes or singposted to another charity.

Advice and practical support is a main service from the Day Centre. The low income can receiving clothing or the homelessness a sleeping bag and a free meal. The advice will include support in filling in forms for benefits, or applying for deposit help from Rent Aid above. There is also advice for job loss or other hardships.

Most of the advice is part of the Equipped to Change programme and offered by the ETE Education, Training and Employment Manager. Many services are offered, such as “in-house” training or access to employment. Resettlement workers also give ongoing advice, can allow the homeless to access computers, applying for Rent AID or offer placement into shelters. Much more support is offered too.

A plan will be created for the applicant, and it will address what was causing their hardship. The support is individualized to meet the needs of the vulnerable person, and goals will be set. The ongoing advice from the Day Centre is a key service offered by DENS.

Open 365 days a year in Hertfordshire, the Night Shelter can provide emergency housing. People will also be provided a free hot meal or box of food as well as a bed to sleep in. When staying at the DENS shelter, a key worker will also help the client access other services offered by the charity.

A charity shop or recycle centre is available for anyone in Hertfordshire County. People can donate goods, and then the community can buy them. Everything is a low cost, and people can buy clothing, furniture, bedding, and similar items. Some families on a low income, with a voucher, may be given free items from DENS.

For more information on DENS, the charity is at 1 Queensway, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 1HT. Or call them at 01442 262274.