Supported housing services from Porchlight in Kent

Housing services from Porchlight can help the homeless and people facing eviction. Several supported housing programmes are available and the not-for-profit also focuses on preventing homelessness in the first place. They can provide help across all of Kent, including the cities of Canterbury, Dover, Ashford and Thanet.

Those facing evictions from their flat or home may be able to get support from Porchlight. They take a pro-active approach to help the tenant remain in their current accommodation. As that is much more effective than trying to resettle an individual or family.

The main resource available is the floating support programme. People that are vulnerable and facing an eviction can try to get help from this service. As part of this, there is advice on programmes such as discretionary housing payments or benefits that may be available for a wide range of clients.

In addition to that, tenants that are behind on their rent are provided guidance and other forms of support. The goal is to stabilize their situation. Porchlight also provides programmes that focus on stipping homelessness of the youth in the community too.

For those that are eligible, a worker will visit them at their home for an intake process. They will explore all issues, and provide any help that is available in order to maintain that housing security. In most instances, a Support Plan is required.

When possible, tenants can explore how to apply for a grant or benefit. They can also get information and help with budgeting and information on other entitlements. The goal is to find some type of scheme for paying down any rent that may be due to the landlord and keep the family housed. Or they may provide referrals to resources such as a local council for rental payments.

Deposit assistance is an option for currently homeless individuals and landlords as well. Porchlight will offer some form of bond guarantee or other support that both parties can benefit from. This is generally for those from the community that live on a low income.

Not only can funds be issued to help pay for the security deposit, but case workers will continue to partner with the tenant to ensure they can main the accommodation on their own in the future. This may involve mediation between the tenant and landlord, the use of government benefits, and other services.

The Porchlight service for rough sleepers can provide individuals with solutions to their homelessness. A caseworker or volunteer can help the client find a short term accommodation. Then, as the person stabilizes, they can explore other assistance that may be available to them, including information on schemes for paying a deposit (per above) or maybe rent in advance.

There are many workers from Porchlight that work to help rough sleepers across Kent. They try to assist ex-offenders, the disabled, and other individuals that are struggling. It is also provided as part of their programmes that are available in partnership with private landlords. Not only may there be some type of housing available to a rough sleeper, but clothing and meals may be provided too.

Once rehoused, tenancy stabilization is another key service. There will be short term advice provided to tenants on issues such as budgeting and income maximisation. Signposting may be arranged for employment and training needs, benefits, paying down debts, and applying for rent schemes.

If the person needs longer term help, such as drug and alcohol treatment services, then Porchlight can offer referrals to other not-profit profits. As there are other agencies that address long term stability.

Many clients need a more stable employment situation in order to consistently pay their rent on time in the future. So to this end, the not-for profit can offer support with this as well. They have plans in place that people can follow in order to increase their chances for gaining employment and new skills. There are also many volunteer opportunities available in Kent for acquiring job skills.

Some examples of the programmes include qualifications for English and Math skills, classes for CV updating, job searches, and how to complete applications. The objective is to give people, including the homeless, the skills they need to be successful in the job market.

Temporary accommodations may also be arranged in some cases. There are locations in Canterbury, Ashford, and other cities. The hostels or other forms of supported accommodations are for the homeless in Kent.

PASS is a supportive housing service for youth in the region. It is formally known as Porchlight Adolescent Support Service, and it can provide safe accommodations to those that need it. Most of the units are for people under the age of 24 and there are units in Canterbury, Tonbridge, and other Kent County sites.

Support is also for individuals with a disability or mental health issue. There is practical advice given to them on rental assistance programs, temporary accommodations, and other schemes. This is even offered to individuals in their own communities and it addresses all their day to day living needs.

Various other forms of advice may be coordinated by Porchlight. Staff can offer information on tenant rights and responsibilities, assisitance in claiming welfare benefits, help with maintaining gas and electric service and more. All of this counselling will lead to independence.

The advice is available for various problems and challenges. The aim of this is to help the client address any challenges or hardships they are facing. Of course the end goal is to ensure stable housing is obtained, and this is always a focus of Porchlight.

Case workers can help the client with whatever their concern is. They can provide information on how to increase their education or income. Or get health care needs solved. Many people also need help, including maybe a fast track, to a housing benefit payment. So the advice offered can help with that as well.

Note that many of the housing support services and programmes have a waiting list. Referrals will also generally be needed. The main office is at 2nd Floor Watling Chambers, 18-19 Watling Street, Canterbury, Kent, the telephone is 0800 567 76 99.