Ipswich Housing Action Group services

The objective of the Ipswich Housing Action Group is to help individuals find private accommodations and resettle the homeless. The charity will also ensure that residents obtain independence, and this means they need to be able to pay the rent on their new home in the future. So both short and long term aid is provided by the organisation.

Most of the services are available from the Move-On Team. This group encourages a tenant’s resettlement into a new, affordable home. However this is only done when they are ready to do so. They are committed to working with individuals and helping them apply for deposit schemes, and have much experience with this process that they can bring to tenants from the region.

IHAG will provide both short term Move-On Support, and there will also be help and guidance provided over the long term. The goal is for them to be successful in their new independent accommodation. The charity does now want someone to face homelessness again in the near future.

As part of this process, the client will work directly with staff from the Ipswich Housing Action Group. After they employed and have an income, are current with their rent, and meet other goals, then Move On will be encouraged. Staff work closely with landlords across Ipswich to resettle clients. Specific assistance is as follows.

• Get help with planning for move, including viewing and inspecting properties as well as utilities connection.
• There is ongoing, general tenancy support.
• Get help from Ipswich Action Group in applying for Welfare Benefits including Housing Payments, JSA / Income Support, and Council Tax.
• There is free advice from Money Centre on budgeting and paying down debts.
• Advice on applying for charity or Ipswich council rent deposit schemes.
• Other referrals are available as well to social services.
• Learn about all government social services, benefits, and private schemes that may be available.

Availability of Shared Housing

The charity operates temporary shared housing. This is for families as well as single people. The houses and flats are operated with other partners such as Ipswich Borough Council, IHAG, Orbit Housing Association and the local Stonham Housing Association. All tenants must be able to cope with shared living and be able to pay the rent on their own in the future.

The Suffolk Coordination Service can also provide referrals to the needy. Note there is a formal application process in place, and a waiting list is also used as the demand is high. It may take several weeks or months before space is freed up.

The monthly fees due for the units vary, but they tend to be reduced. The rent payment due from the tenant for the shared housing will also pay for their heating bills, use of cooker, water, and lighting. In some cases other bills may need to be paid too. So it covers many needs.

Support from IHAG Advice Centre

The not-for profit Ipswich Housing Action Group will deal with the underlying cause of the homeless or financial struggle. The programme and services will offer clients free advice and services. Advisors can help clients address any debt problems they have or pay overdue rent in arrears to former landlords. Most of the clients are low income, facing eviction, or maybe even currently homeless.

Some of the issues deal with include Negotiation/Letter Writing, Free Debt Elimination Advice, Information on Budgeting, and more. There is significant support for accessing social services as well, and this may include the Universal Credit, Budgeting Loans, Child Benefit, Welfare Benefits, Maximisation of Income or Discretionary Housing Payments. Call the IHAG centre for more information or assistance.

The objective of the charity is to help homeless people or those facing eviction. There is advice for vulnerable families and others. They partner with groups such as Homeless Link, SITRA and Shelter to help the low income and struggling in Ipswich. A wide range of services are available from the main office, which is at 22-24 Carr Street, Ipswich. Call the charity at 01473 213102.