Homeless Action in Barnet (HAB) services

There are four main assistance programmes provided by the HAB Day Centre. The charity will not only help the homeless, but they offer ongoing tenancy support. An emergency shelter is also available at the center, and anyone that has a medical need can apply for Health Services. All of this, and more, is provided to families local to Barnet in a non-judgmental manner.

Anyone that is vulnerable can use the Homeless Action in Barnet day centre. The first thing provided will be practical support to clients, and this can be a free breakfast meal, low cost food, clothing, and more. The charity may also be able to refer an applicant to a local food bank in London. Some people, in particular the homeless, also need hygiene items. For these individuals there is a laundry and showers among other support.

Not only will the practical goods be provided, but they also advocate on behalf of families in poverty. This advice is always free to the person that is vulnerable. The staff are easy to talk to and provide counselling for free. They can help residents find permanent housing in the London Borough of Barnet or apply for benefits. Another aim of HAB is to assist with job training so a client can increase their income.

Many other services are run from the drop in site. At the very least, someone can get a meal and just someone to talk to. The hours of the HAB centre are from Monday to Friday until 3pm.

Tenancy support and outreach is provided too. The staff from HAB will assist anyone that is in rent arrears or that has housing challenges. All government as well as charity programmes will be assessed for those that are eligible for this scheme.

Homeless Action in Barnet will not only help a client apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) or other forms of rental assistance, but if the current home is too difficult to maintain, then they will help the person find a new tenancy in the borough or city of London.

Assistance is also for people who are about to become a tenant. This service is available for those in private housing as well as council schemes. A support worker from HAB will meet with the applicant to assess the situation.

The housing programmes from HAB are extensive. The general aim is to stop homelessness and address the root cause of the crisis. The team can help clients apply for benefits, provide free advice on managing money, signpost a tenant to grants for furniture, and help with other issues. The charity will even provide support with electricity or gas service connections.

The ongoing support is provided for up to 4 months. This should be enough time for the person to stabilize their situation. If not, then further signposting may be offered by HAB. Call the charity at 020 3115 1185 for more information.

Two other services are for the homeless in Barnet only. They include health care which is provided in partnership with the Barnet Primary Care Trust. This is offered Monday through Wednesday, and addresses substance abuse, general care from a doctor and more.

There is also a Night Shelter at Homeless Action in Barnet. This runs from October to March and is for rough sleepers. Churches from the region also partner with HAB on this. A key aim of the shelter is to keep people warm during the winter months. A bed is provided for the night as well as a meal and information on other services.

The main drop in centre is at 36b Woodhouse Road in London N12 0RG. People can stop by, or ring the centre at 020 8446 8400.