Finsbury Park assistance for low income in North London

Most of the clients of Finsbury Park are minorities or refugees, but anyone that is on a low income and local to North London may drop in. The volunteers at the charity will offer practical support, such as a box of food or clothing, but the aim of the organisation is to advocate for the poor on any housing problems they are threatened with. One of the main programmes provided is the Homeless Families Project.

The services are focused on the areas in North London such as Finsbury Park as well as the boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Haringey. People or even families that are local to those parts of the city can stop in an learn about the programmes below.

Those living in temporary accommodation or hostels can benefit from housing assistance arranged by Finsbury Park Homeless Families Project. There are also volunteers who try to find the homeless on the streets of London to direct them to support services. Many people are not aware of the Project, so this service will give them information on everything from deposit help to the advice that is listed below. The aim is to get them into permanent housing.

Free advice will help people solve the hardship they are threatened with. First, an assessment will need to be done by a caseworker from Finsbury Park Homeless Families Project. Based on the results of that, if the applicant is eligible, they will be able to benefit from the services below.

• Form filing and advice in obtaining benefits or welfare, including rent deposit schemes, health services, and more.
• Minorities can get access to English classes or an interpreter.
• Children can enroll into programmes and gain childcare.
• The homeless and poor in North London can get access to a GP.
• Advice will help tenants in rent arrears and others in debt.

All of the advice is given from the caseworker on an ongoing basis. There will be weekly telephone calls or appointments set up to offer information. This can benefit a family entering into a tenancy agreement, as they can learn about a number of housing payment programmes, council schemes or how to stop evictions. The advice will also help with job finding and any other needs of the client.

Many of the services are provided from the drop-in centre. This is where families on a low income can go to learn about the programmes run by the charity. They will be able to meet with a caseworker and get information and counselling.

Not only is advice given to those that drop in at Finsbury Park, but there are meals or boxes of food including for children. Other items from the location include second hand clothes, toys for children, coats, and household goods. These can be given out for free to those who use the centre. It is only open on Wednesdays, and it is held at St. John’s Church Hall on Gloucester Drive. If someone needs groceries any other time of the week, then they can use an emergency food programme.

The Homeless Families Project will always include development and employment to help people maximise their income. There are classes held to help tenants threatened by homeless and people sleeping rough make positive changes. Workshops for minorities include ESOL (English as a second language), paid work opportunities to give people job experience or money, and other support.

Anyone looking for paid work in North London can get advice from Finsbury Park. There is one on advice arranged for them and other support. The aim is to help them find a job with a wage that will allow them to pay the rent, provide for their family, and live independently in the future.

The Finsbury Park Housing Project and drop in centre is at St John’s Church Hall, Gloucester Drive, London, N4 2LW. For information on the services, people can call 020 8802 7426.