Housing and tenant support services from Two Saints

Two Saints provides housing assistance across Berkshire County as well as Hampshire. Programmes are provided to the homeless and tenants that are in rent arrears, and the charity tries to help individual live independently. The main housing services available are noted below, including advice on deposit schemes and other aid, however resources are limited but the charity does it best to help the vulnerable and people in priority need.

Housing advice from Support Workers

Clients of Two Saints will be put into touch with a Support Worker, and they will assist with addressing the housing problems being faced by the tenant. This will be ongoing while the individual is placed into temporary accommodations, such as a shelter, to stay in. As part of this process, a support plan will be created by the charity and worker, and solutions are explored.

The accommodations will give families or the homeless a bed to sleep in and a hot meal. The lodging can be in hostels or move on flats. Or Two Saints also can partner with churches on emergency shelters. The aim is to get the homeless person off the street into a safe environment. This provides them time to access the support services from the charity, and the aim is to get them back on track and to develop any needed skills.

Much of what Two Saints does is provide free advice. Clients can get advice on housing programmes and benefits, including both council deposit schemes for the homeless and discretionary housing payments. Support workers will also offer advice on budgeting and managing money.

Classes are held and assistance is available for budgeting, job hunting, and more. Clients will receive help from the Support Worker or volunteers on how to create a CV or improve computer skills. These are examples of what will help the client maximise their income in the future.

Resettling the family is another goal. People can have this done in the Berkshire County area, and Two Saint will help with applications to housing benefits or other schemes from the authorities. There are many rent deposit schemes from councils and other groups that can help with this. If successful, furniture and household goods may be provided too.

In some cases, referrals are made to other services or local groups, as in many cases other organisations can provide help too. There are self help groups in Berkshire and other agencies that can be signposted too. Charities in Hampshire are also focused on assisting the vulnerable, whether it is for housing problems such as unpaid heating bills or shelters.

After the individual has been placed into new housing, then floating support is arranged. This will help the tenant maintain their residency, and this is a key aid. Support Workers will continue to ensure the individual remains living independent.

The charity offers programmes across many towns and cities in the county, including Fareham, Andover, Portsmouth, East Hampshire, and Oxford. Other areas can be covered too. The aim of Two Saint is to end the cycle of homelessness and evictions. So the services above, and more, may be provided to clients from their centre at 35 Waterside Gardens, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8SD, or call 01329 234600.