The six agencies providing emergency & supportive housing to Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth is served by six collaborative agencies that help residents remain in their homes even when fund fall short to cover rent payments. The agencies share a common goal–to help families remain safely in their homes whenever possible, even when emergency measures are needed.

To accomplish this feat, the staff behind the efforts work together to match the needs of clients with the resources entrusted with these community stewards. The result is lower rent arrearages, fewer homeless and a stronger community.

Herring House Trust

This nonprofit organisation administers a hostel that houses the single homeless people of Great Yarmouth. Residents need not be ashamed of the circumstances that caused their housing issues, since everyone here has a past situation that caused them to seek help.

This residential facility provides a stable setting where problems can be solved. Staff work with each resident to focus on an action plan for renewed independent living. Dreadful stories about the old facility’s drab scene have been replaced with praise by those who moved into the refurbished building. Thanks to a £3m restoration, those that might otherwise be homeless have their own showers and are welcomed by common areas that serve all who live here. Single adults aged 16 and up may enquire about vacancies at Herring House by calling 01493 331 524.

Julian Support Ltd

Julian Support serves the people of Norfolk and Suffolk with tools to promote independent living. With an emphasis on helping people with some mental impairment, this organisation provides clients with a better chance of living on their own. The charity matches clients to schemes operated by registered social landlords.

• Ashcroft Registered Accommodation is a transitional housing programme for women who need assistance recovering from a prior emergency situation.
• 24 Hour Support is provided to some people who need special support. This intensive supportive housing service offers immediate aid to those who have special needs.
• Julian Support also provides regular (non 24 hour supported) accommodation in Norfolk and Suffolk. Life skills and work training are just part of the activities provided to those who are benefitting from the housing.

Potential clients may call the Norwich office at 01603 767718 to find out about opportunities for getting help with housing.

Leeway

Leeway is a charity based in Norfolk that provides direct service to women in Great Yarmouth. Services are directed towards women who have escaped from domestic violence. A telephone helpline at 08452 412 171 has been established for those who need a helping hand.

Leeway operates several refuges that can provide emergency shelter. This keeps women and their children from becoming homeless just because they chose to exit an unhealthy living environment. A support system is in place to help get them back into a home of their own. Housing advice is also given to those who are having trouble making it on their own for the first time.

The Matthew Project

Those who have struggled with drug addiction or alcoholism can get specialised care through The Matthew Project. Many of the charity’s clients are homeless. By taking in these troubled individuals, staff can help treat the causes of the current situation while providing immediate relief from homelessness. Anyone with a history of substance abuse or dependency may qualify for residential aid as long as treatment programmes are adhered to. More information is available by calling 0800 970 4866, including housing assistance and treatment for teens.

Genesis Housing Association

Aid previously provided by St. Matthew Housing has now become part of the Genesis Housing Association. This entity provides financial advice to tenants who cannot afford their rent payments.

Genesis administers area hostels in addition to its primary role as a housing association. Residents in arrears should call 01284 732550 to find out what outcomes are possible.

Stonham Services

Homeless prevention is one of the primary roles of Stonham Services, which is available to clients whether or not they are a Home Group customer. Housing support for older adults is one focus, while single homeless individuals are also directly served by supportive housing programmes.

Some of these organisations also provide rental assistance services outside of Great Yarmouth. However, those programmes operate within Stonham Homestay throughout the rest of Norfolk and parts of Suffolk.

Council

Outside of the six collaborative agencies that serve poor households, Great Yarmouth Borough Council government provides a Rent Income Team. General advice is available for tenants who cannot pay their rent on time. Tenants may call 01493 846190 to request a meeting with a member of the Rent Income Team in their Greyfriars Office.

CAB

The local Citizens Advice Bureau located in Norfolk can also assist tenants who need housing advice. By calling 0344 515 1860, a resident can find out what resources are available to cure a rent emergency. CAB specialists can often match a tenant with a grant opportunity and even sign off on an aid application.

YMCA

Young people may partake in temporary accommodation provided through YMCA.

• Hall Quay provides 26 housing units to those without a place to stay.
• Seacroft houses another 13 residents at any given time.

Either facility may be selected based on an assessment by a YMCA coordinator. Enquires may be directed to 01493 854162.

MAP

The Mancroft Advice Project (MAP) provides additional advice and support for rental arrearages and homelessness issues. A local appointment with a wellness adviser is available by calling 01493 854839.

Aspire Young Person’s Centre

Homeless adults aged 16 to 25 have support from emergency rent problems. Workers at Aspire Young Person’s Centre can determine if the person is able to remain independent or if they need to move into the residential facility for a few months. When arrears cannot be fixed in time to prevent an eviction, the person can move in to one of 17 units while receiving additional support. Young people may call 01493 858270 to find the support they need to regain independence and be able to afford their full rent payment.