UK Bill Help

Individuals that are homeless or need to be resettled may benefit from the housing services offered by the Taunton Association for the Homeless. The charity operates across Somerset and provides a number of solutions to people facing poverty, homeless, and rough sleepers. Programmes can provide accommodations to individuals, then when they are stabilized there is help with the rent deposit on a new property.

Most of the assistance is available at the HUB, which is at their main office. They do require appointments, in particular for any type of financial aid or deposits. But there are some emergency solutions available as well, in particular for those that are sleeping rough. There may be beds at the Norie House site or Lindley House, which is located at 65 East Reach. Those that use the emergency services will also be given free advice.

Apply for funds for deposits or locate housing

If someone has found a property to move into, but they do not have the funds for a cash deposit, then a bond scheme may be provided in an effort to help the person pay for that cost. The Association can help people gain access to their chosen accommodation as a result of the guarantee.

Landlords in the greater Somerset County area will need to participate with TAH on this. What the scheme will do is it will ensure the landlord gets paid for any damage that is done to the property. Or the bond can help cover any missed rent payments from the tenant. So the paper bond can be used if the landlord agrees to it.

Short term accommodations are also available in Somerset. The homeless may have access to supported shared housing flats or hostels. Some of these are also run by the YMCA or churches in the area. There are also projects for young people or the elderly, all of which help with housing problems. Not only will clients have a place to stay, but they can also get assistance and empowerment from social workers and volunteers at these sites.

Most of the information and services are available from the HUB. The homeless, individuals on a low income, or people that owe rent arrears may also use the centre. Assistance provided can include mediation with landlords or help with claiming benefits. There is also of course the applications for the bond scheme and referrals to emergency accommodations in Somerset. Everything is focused on ending homelessness in the area.

Additional services from Taunton Association for the Homeless

The Association for the Homeless also partners with charity organisations in the area, including the YMCA and their Nightstop scheme. In almost all cases, the individual will be given free advice and support in an effort to help them obtain permanent housing. They can learn how to get help from bonds for paying their security deposits, job training, and other support. So the homeless have options available.

The homeless can take advantage of job training and work experience programmes offered by Taunton Association for the Homeless. There are sessions held that can help people get the skills they need. This as well can lead to tenancy stability and independent living. There are other housing support services available, such as TAS, or the Tenant Accreditation Scheme.

No matter the need, support plans will be developed with caseworkers. The person seeking help can partner with specialists from TAH to learn about social housing or private homes that may be available. Also, as part of this plan, the tenant can get free information and advice on a number of matters from their Support Worker. They can learn how to manage money better, get information on landlord responsibilities, find how to get assistance for their rent, or other tenant responsibilities. Most of this information is part of the TAS workshop.

There are many people who can help at the Taunton Association for the Homeless HUB. Advice is provided from social workers, volunteers, and other coordinators. For more information, it is located at 90-91 East Reach, Taunton TA1 3HF, Tel 01823 271326. Contact the centre for support.