Housing accommodations and rent deposit help from CATH in Cheshire

The aim of CATH is to prevent homelessness and resettle those that are on the streets. The charity operates services across Cheshire West as well as the city of Chester. While some people may be eligible for rent deposit help, many other vulnerable individuals will be able to use their supported accommodation, such as the Crispin House.

Short term aid and emergency accommodations are provided, but the aim of Chester Aid to the Homeless is to help the homeless gain independence. They coordinate job training as well as education for clients to help with this. Other free advice is on how to maximise income.

Temporary accommodations offered by CATH

There are two main options. They include the Crispin House as well as accommodations known as Ermine Road & Garden Lane. Both of the locations are small and can only house a limited number of people. They encourage learning and job training for future employment at the accommodations.

Ermine Road & Garden Lane is on the edge of Chester. The individuals who stay there will get practical support such as food and clothing. Additional assistance is for resettling them back into the community, and CATH may assist them with the deposit from local bond guarantees and applications for benefits. The team works with the homeless person during their stay at Garden Lane.

The other option is Crispin House, and this is for people with a long term history of homelessness. This is similar to above in that the individual who stay there also needs to take part in training and education services. The team at Chester Aid to the Homeless will also provide the individual with advice so they can gain independence.

The homeless can also use the Drop-in Centres. They will have access to clothing, showers, hygiene, and medical services. Clients can also get free food from partners such as the Wesley Methodist Centre as well as the local Chester Food Bank. Call the centre at 01244 409 158 for hours.

Resettlement services

Specialists offer advice and support to those on a low income. The homeless that stay in an accommodation above, or other homeless people from Chester, can use the Harold Tomlins Resource & Learning Centre. Specialists from CATH at this location will provide access to education and advice. There are also computers on site that anyone from the area can use for CV creation or accessing the internet. Clients can partner with a social worker for signposting services, and another aim is to find a quality, affordable accommodations. All of this is part of the resettlement assistance.

Landlords from Cheshire West also work with CATH and the council to participate in various Bond Guarantee Schemes. These may be available to help pay up to 6 months worth of a security deposit that may be due from the tenant. The tenant will continue to work towards independence from the programmes available at the Resource Center.

Many clients need mediation in dealing with landlords from the area. Staff from Chester Aid to the Homeless can coordinate this service too. The tenant, homeless person, or landlord can resolve any dispute they have from mediation. The aim is to address eviction prevention, support for veterans, and disputes over deposits being returned to the tenant. Other matters can be mediated as well.

For information on these and other housing services, the address of CATH is Harold Tomlins Centre, 24 Grosvenor Street, Chester, CH1 2DD. Call the centre at 0300 123 1562.