Homelink loans assist with deposits and rent in advance

A scheme that is provided by churches working in partnership with the Lewes District Council can help low income individuals pay the deposit on a new home. The client of the Homelink programme will also be provided advice as well as practical support so they can maintain the tenancy. The funds will be issued to the tenant as an interest free loan and the applicant needs to be all the criteria set by Homelink as well as the local council.

Any assistance is only for people with a local connection and that are homeless. They will also need to be on a low income, have no savings, and in general need help in moving into a private accommodation. In some cases, an interest free loan may be issued for other rental costs if the applicant is threatened with eviction from their landlord.

Donations from the community and businesses go to fund this service. Many churches also hold fund raisers. There is no discrimination on age marital status, faith, gender, race, nationality, class, appearance, disability or size. Anyone can apply. Over the years, Homelink has assisted single parents, people sleeping rough, those suffering from domestic violence and individuals with a physical disability.

Some of the partners in the district that created Homelink include Churches Together in Seaford, charities in Lewes District, and another group known as Churches Together in Newhaven. All of these partnered to create the Christian Charter for Homelessness Agencies, which is also known as Homelink, as well as raise donations.

Application process for a loan from Homelink

A referral to Homelink is needed from the Lewes District Council. The staff at the council will require an application to be completed, and the individual must show proof of their need. The department that can provide this can be ringed at 01273 484001.

If both the District Council, the Trustees of the Charity, and the churches that are part of Homelink approve the application, the funds are issued directly to the landlord of the private accommodation. The cheque will not be payable to the tenant.

The funds that are issued from Homelink are limited. In general, the churches will only help pay for one month of rent in advance. Some clients may also get assistance for paying the damage deposit that may be due from the landlord. The terms of the loan will vary, but there will not be any interest due from the tenant. The person will normally need to repay it over a period of 5 years, and they will need to agree to the terms of the repayment agreement required by the Trustees.

While more limited, there may be instance in which the loan from church is for more than one month of rent. They may issue funds to pay for other fees or costs that are required for the client to move into a safe and affordable Lewes housing unit, however this is not the priority of the funds.

They also work closely with the Lewes District Council on Southover Road. Together Homelink and the Council can help people that are homeless or that even owe rent arrears. The aim is to go families and individuals into qualify accommodations, help them with a rental deposit, and provide referrals to local schemes.

For information, Homelink has an office at 208 High Street, School Hill, Lewes, BN7 2NS, Telephone 01273 479541. Anyone that is now homeless or faced with an eviction, and has a local connection to Peacehaven, Lewes, Seaford or Newhaven should contact the registered charity.