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The programmes from Christian Action Resource Enterprise are aimed at reducing poverty in Lincolnshire and helping the most vulnerable. The charity provides many services to its clients, ranging from basic needs such as free food to help for housing and other needs.

CARE not only works to provide help to the disadvantaged and struggling, but they also coordinate services with other charities and groups in Lincolnshire. One of the main programmes, the Daily Bread Food Larder, will help those people that need a meal or a bag of groceries, and this service is offered in partnership with a group known as North East Lincolnshire Churches Together. Many other support services are also provided.

Housing assistance is provided by the CARE Rent Scheme, and this offers prospective tenants many forms of support and there is also assistance for the homeless. Almost 100 landlords from across Lincolnshire County also take part as everyone wants to reduce homelessness in the area. The main services from the rent scheme are below.

• Tenants will get help in completing forms and applying for housing benefits.
• When an individual finds a private home to rent, landlords will be provided a bond guarantee of up to £500 as a form of security deposit.
• CARE will liaise with the Lincolnshire housing benefit department, tenant, landlord and council as needed to address any problems.
• Ongoing support is given to both the tenant and landlord to prevent evictions, address repairs, and other issues.
• Christian Action Resource Enterprise will forward the money to the landlord each month for their regular rent payment.

This rent scheme is limited. All applicants will need to go through an application and assessment with Christian Action Resource Enterprise, and this will also comfort the landlord in knowing the tenant will be solid. Applicants also need to have a connection to Lincolnshire, be over the age of 25, and meet other conditions.

On an exception basis, CARE may enroll other people into the Rent Scheme, such as lone parents under the age of 25. However, this is rare and at the discretion of the charity, and all financial assistance for deposits and other housing needs is limited.

Free food and meals are provided by Christian Action and Resource Enterprise as well as partner churches. The programme is known as Daily Bread Food Larder, and it has fed many people in poverty as well as the elderly. Referrals are needed, and the assistance is only short term as the parcels passed out are limited in size and contents. The locations of distribution are as follows.

• Willows Community Church, Wingate Road, Willows Estate, Great Grimsby, DN37 9EL. Phone – 01472 885568
• 18 Hainton Avenue, Great Grimsby, DN32 9BB, phone 01472 232310.
• Immingham Resource Centre, Margaret Street, Immingham, DN40 1LE. Telephone number is 07419 374 197.

Family Support from CARE aims to solve housing problems. There is advice for people in rent arrears and facing homelessness, as well as guidance on securing alternative accommodation in the private market or social housing. Furniture can even be provided for the new home home or flat. Anyone seeking help needs to be in receipt of government housing benefits and under the age of 60.

All assistance is provided on a one on one basis, and the staff take a holistic approach to solving problems. They can help the tenant budget so they can free up their money for rent payments, or provide advice on maximising income. Another key service from Christian Action Resource Enterprise of Lincolnshire is ensuring low income families are receiving all the benefits or welfare they are entitled too, as those extra funds can make a different when it comes to housing payments.

If there is a dispute with the landlord, then staff can mediate between tenant or landlord to ensure the tenancy is sustain. Or if the person needs to resettle into a new home, this can be arranged. The client can also look into the Rent Scheme above for help with the moving or deposit costs on the new home.

Free furniture is provided from the CARE Shop. It is available for single people as well as families with children. There may be pots, pans, bedding, clothing, heating appliances, fridges, and more. The items may even be delivered as well. This is only for people with no other options, and that can get a voucher for furniture from the Lincolnshire council welfare scheme.

The main CARE Family & Support Centre has an address of 18 Hainton Avenue, Great Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32 9BB. The customer service number is 01472 232310.