CHAT Housing and tenant support services in Mid Devon

The faith based charity known as CHAT provides a number of housing services to families on a low income, the homeless, and people that are in need. Clients can help with paying rent in advance or deposits, access to bonds, and temporary accommodations. Assistance from the charity organisation is available across Mid Devon.

People from the area that are considered to be in housing need can receive free advice and referrals. They also operate a hardship fund as well as a bond scheme. Other assistance includes ongoing tenancy support. The aid is to prevent homelessness and resettle those that need it.

The clients tend to be those that are in a hostel or currently homeless. Other people may be sleeping rough or in some other type of temporary accommodation. There is also housing advice or aid for ex-offenders, those with a physical disability, or young people. However anyone on a low income can request help.

Find advice from CHAT

The specialists from Churches Housing Action Team offer advice on a number of matters. All the information is free and of course confidential as well. It can be provided at their office, which is at 28 Gold Street, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 6PY. Or information can also be distributed over the phone, and call 01884 255606.

For people that need another option, another drop in centre is at Council Offices, Market Street, Crediton EX17 2BN. This location will also offer advice to those in housing needs or the homeless.

All issues on tenancy can be addressed, including referrals to rent and Deposit Guarantees. The charity will also advocate for the tenants on behalf of the community. If the client needs it, signposting is provided for services available at other organisations. The Tenancy specialists can offer clients both short and long term support and advice. They also partner with agencies in Mid Devon area, including authorities in Tiverton, Crediton and Cullompton. Some of these other agencies also operate schemes for the vulnerable.

Those that currently have a residence can receive tenancy support too. A team of specialists offer this service to clients. The support can help people apply for loans for their rent, assist with applications for benefits entitlements, and services cover debts due. Many people from Mid Devon need assistance in establishing a home or locating financial aid, and the Churches Housing Action Team can help with those needs too.

Funds are available for housing and deposit costs

Individuals, including the homeless, that are seeking a private accommodation may use the services from the Hardship Fund until they gain stability. This uses donations from the community to help people facing an emergency.

Churches and local trusts contribute funds, and what may be provided includes sleeping bags, furniture, food parcels, bedding, clothing, and tents. This is meant for a crisis only, and the client will also be referred to the advice services mentioned above. Then, as they gain stability, a scheme can help them pay the rental deposit on a new home.

Then, the next step is the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Prospective tenants and the landlord for the new property will both use a bond for this. This will be in lieu of a cash deposit for the new home. All parties, including the landlord, need to agree to this approach.

If so, CHAT will in effect use this funding as a form of insurance for the landlord, so they know that both any damages as well as the tenant’s deposit are covered by the bond. This aid can help an individual move into a new home.

Not everyone will be able to benefit from the CHAT services. They fully understand that. Since the aim of the Churches Housing Action Team is to help people find and pay the rent on safe and affordable accommodations, if they can’t assist then in those cases, the staff from Team may refer the tenant, or homeless person, to another local organisation that may be able to better assist them.