Belfast assistance with rental deposits

The homeless in the city of Belfast can receive help with a deposit or rent in advance from a local charity or church based organisation. The demand for their services is very high, and not everyone will be able to be assisted. However individuals can try to contact organisations such as SmartMove NI or Simon Housing for help with their housing needs or referrals. There are other agencies to try as well.

For individuals on a low income or the homeless that qualify, they may be able to get help from different deposit schemes or maybe even a savings bond programme and there may also be other options too. Once an individual is found eligible, the groups will partner with local advice centres and other agencies to provide ongoing tenancy support to prevent the homelessness from occurring in the future.

Too many families in Belfast are struggling with paying their rent and are unemployed, and these services may be able to assist when they are faced with a crisis. These charities all work together to end homelessness in the city, and providing someone help with the deposit can make that happen.

Direct financial aid for the deposit

There are two main organizations that can offer direct financial aid or schemes for a deposit, and they include SmartMove NI and Simon Community. A local council may also have information on the discretionary housing payment programme, which may also assist with extra help on future rent.

A deposit savings bond is the main form of assistance from SmartMove NI. The not-for profit agency will help future tenants pay up to one half of any security deposit that is required. Then a specialist will work with the landlord and the tenant on the balance to agree to some form of payment plan. They provide assistance in Armagh, Derry City, Belfast, Omagh, Enniskillen, and West Belfast area, and can be called at 28 9075 7801.

Other support is provided as well. There may be schemes available to pay any rent in advance that is due. After the individual moves into the new property, ongoing tenant support is provided by housing specialists at SmartMove NI as well. This will help convince the landlord that the tenant will remain stable in their new home. The agency will also explore any options for housing benefits that are available in the Belfast region to help with future rental payments and offer referrals if needed.

The homeless or tenants facing eviction can also try Simon Community Housing. They provide a bond deposit scheme to the homeless that qualify. A number of other housing services are also offered in Belfast, with a focus on the vulnerable and disadvantaged.

Simon Community works closely with churches and charities in Belfast to help the homeless. They can also provide practical support such as clothing or hot meals. The organisation is committed to resettling those that need it, and the schemes they administer assist with that goal. Telephone is 028 90 232882, or read Simon Community housing assistance.

Find advice and referrals in Belfast to rent deposit schemes

Dove House supports people in Derry and surrounding regions. The agency offers help to the vulnerable, ranging from the homeless to seniors citizens and substance abusers. One service is on addressing housing issues and homeless prevention, and staff can provide free advice and support in applying for rent deposit schemes and accommodations. Read advice from Dove House.

First Housing Aid, or FHA, can both refer people to rent deposit schemes and also address the cause of homelessness from the Pathways from Homelessness service. A focus of the charity is on the youth in Belfast and offering them shelter, but other low income residents as well as the homeless can benefit from the Private Rented Access Scheme, which First Housing can help people apply for. Find help from First Housing Aid.

SCA Advice Centre provides free advice and information on housing, benefits, available private schemes, and more. The agency also provides this service from their drop in centre, which is readily available to the needy. There is high demand from the unemployed on housing advice, and particular from the homeless on how to pay a deposit, so SCA can assist with that need. The address of the centres is Montague Centre Broadway, 2 Fallswater Street, Belfast, BT12 6BZ. Phone – 028 9024 8509.

Both supported housing and advice on housing is available from Shelter Northern Ireland. The charity aims to prevent future homelessness in the area, and to do this they offer advice and information to individuals and families on a low income. They operate from an office at 58 Howard Street, Belfast, BT1 6PJ. Call 028 9024 7752 for more information on their services.

They offer advice for those in priority need as well as young people. If paying a deposit is the challenge, then Shelter will often have referrals to local schemes. The charity no only serves Belfast, but they also provide help across all of Northern Ireland.

Social workers and volunteers from Shelter also collaborate with other agencies, including councils in Northern Ireland, to assist the homeless. They try to find solutions to the disadvantaged and rough sleepers when it comes to accessing affordable housing.

The Welcome Centre can provide referrals to deposit schemes, emergency housing, and other support. The not-for-profit operates a day centre as well for ex-offenders, people sleeping rough, and other homeless individuals in Belfast. Clients can also get advice on applying for benefits, health care, and other social services. The centre address is Townsend Enterprise Centre, 28 Townsend Street, Belfast, BT12 2EF. The telephone for information is 028 9023 4387.