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Assistance from First Housing Aid is aimed at ending homelessness in Belfast. The charity organisation runs several programmes for the low income, such as the Pathways from Homelessness resettlement service as well as funds from rent deposit schemes. There is help for young people, children, and entire families as well.

All of the services are provided for free, and the advice is independent and of a high quality. A number of issues are also addressed from First Housing, ranging from preventing homelessness to locating a new home in Belfast and applying for financial assistance.

As part of this process, professional care workers partner with clients on addressing a wide range of challenges that they may be facing, whether that is debt arrears or lack of a job. The specialist advice will help the client find best possible solution to their housing problems and explore financial aid too, such as the Smartmove rent deposit scheme.

Housing assistance

The youth in Belfast can use the Francis Street project. This offers support to homeless young children, and it combines shelter along with advice and guidance to get them on the patch to independence. First Housing Aid will create an environment for them to obtain the support and skills they need, whether it is food or placement into a new home. The project is also set up as a 24 hour per day service, and support is always available.

Help with rent deposits and locating a home in the private sector is available from the Northern Ireland Private Rented Access Scheme. First Housing Aid and Support Services can refer people to this scheme, and help with the applications and completion of forms.

Prospective tenants in the Belfast area will be provided with a bond guarantee that is given to their landlord, and this will negate the need for cash to be used. Smartmove Housing and First Aid will also provide other ongoing tenancy support, help the individual locate a suitable property, and assist with completing forms for housing benefits from the central government in the UK. If needed, the specialist will signpost the client to other services.

First Housing Aid advice services

Employment and education are key to preventing homelessness. This is key for both the person currently sleeping rough, and also on ending the cycle. First Housing will address this need for people in their temporary accommodations and for the currently homeless. Clients can access job training and other programmes that address stability.

Most of this assistance is part of the Pathways from Homelessness programme, which helps people in poverty and the homeless transition to a stable lifestyle. There will be pre-employment programmes offered, job training, life skills training, budgeting and more. There is also information on practical support, such as the Smartmove rent deposit scheme above or places to get furniture from for a new home.

Clients of First Housing Aid will be given advice and guidance on a range of issues, for example budgeting, cooking, developing social skills and income maximisation. This will help people learn to resolve problem issues on their own in the future. So Pathways addresses a number of challenges.

First Housing Aid is a leading charity to contact for assistance in Belfast northern Ireland. They will work to enforce the legal rights of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming evicted. Care workers will help families receive the entitlements they are due, and the staff advocate on behalf of the low income and homeless. The address in 23 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6PN, and the intake phone number is 028 7126 6115.