700 Club housing assistance and schemes for deposits in Darlington

Darlington residents that are struggling with paying the deposit on a private accommodation have access to schemes from the 700 Club. There are several other different services available for clients, including transitional housing, job training workshops, a Bond Guarantee Scheme, and other resources for tenants.

Housing solutions from 700 Club

Help in obtaining a bond is offered. This is for tenants that are on a low income. They need to moving into a new home, but are having difficulty in paying the deposit to the landlord. If this is the case, they may be potential clients for the 700 Club Bond Guarantee Scheme. This is an option for low income or formerly homeless people, however it does need the support of the landlord from the Darlington area.

Caseworkers from the charity will work with the landlord to help the tenant enter into arrangements as part of the scheme. The tenancy agreement will usually be effective for only up to 12 months, but it can be effective in allowing the participant to pay their rent or a portion of the deposit.

The tenant will need to follow all terms of the arrangement, such as saving money each month, maintaining the home, and more. Also, clients will have their LHA payments sent directly to their landlord. If there is additional rent or fees due, the tenant will need to pay it on their own.

The Bond Guarantee Scheme is only for people from the Darlington Borough. It can be single people, families or couples, and a referrals is also required. They also need to be facing eviction, meet low income limits or are currently homeless. All applicants are interviewed and reviewed on a case by case basis.

In addition, the 700 Club will require the tenant to be able to live independently in the new home. This includes paying the rent on time and also be able to sustain the tenancy over the short to long term. So various conditions are in place by the club. Call 01325 366397.

For the very short term, emergency housing is available from the Lodge. This will provide accommodations for a defined period of time. It is operated along with Hospital Discharge Teams, Local Authority Housing Officers, the Probation Service, and local social service groups.

Clients of the housing will have a stable place to live, which will offer them time to make different and more positive life choices. It is also for very needy people from Darlington that have no other options available to them. Those who use the lodge will also need to partner with a caseworker from the 700 club to find a way to get permanently resettled and exit homelessness. As part of this, they will review financial aid programmes such as schemes for a security deposit and other solutions.

Supported housing is offered by the 700 Club in partnership with the Darlington Borough Council and other not-for profit agencies. This is for people with a drug or alcohol condition. The individual will get access to housing, casework, and other support.

Many conditions apply, including the client needs to go through the Key Point of Access assessment process, participate in community activities, go to education or job training, and budget. At the end of their stay they can leave the supportive housing using schemes, such as the bond guarantee. This can help them pay rent or other fees to a landlord in the future. The 700 Club and its partners can make a difference in the lives of a client through this programme.

Longer term accommodations are available, but only for about 30 families. It will provide people with housing for up to 1 year. Individuals can also get advise on other issues as well, such as information on reducing debt arrears, learn ways to maximize income, help applying for housing benefits, and more.

Individuals will need to agree to pay the rent in order to maintain their accommodation. This will ensure an eviction does not occur. They will need to comply with rules, statutory orders, and all regulations set by the 700 Club organisation.

Additional services

Free food and meals will sometimes be offered at St. George’s Hall (call 01325 464385). It is for people with or without a referral, and the store provides them with support, meals, and more. Other places in which the homeless can get a meal includes the North East Health Link Trust as well as Grange Road Baptist Church (t: 01325 360449)

All of these centres are open limited hours, and individuals should call for details. Some of them only operate out of hours food services. Depending on donations, the individual will be offered a few tin goods. Other options include The Kings Church Food Store (01325 469884) as well as Darlington based First Stop food (01325 254463).

Other workshops and activities are organised by the 700 Club for individuals. They include Financial Literacy session, information on housing benefits and deposit schemes, Accredited ICT Training, and job placement. All programmes are offered in partnership with other charities and local churches.

The main address is 700 Club Office, Grange Road Baptist Church, Darlington DL1 5NH. Call 01325 366397 for information.