WDGB deposit bond guarantees in North Somerset

A charity focused on providing housing to the homeless in North Somerset is WDGB. They also provide other housing services to the vulnerable, including referrals and tenancy support. The organisation provides a bond which can be used to guarantee a security deposit for a homeless individual or family.

The charity is made up on local churches that was created with the aim of stopping homelessness and evictions in the North Somerset area. So they not only offer the bond guarantee, but free advice and other support is provided too from volunteers and specialists. If the client is facing imminent homelessness, then a church may be able to assist with resettlement to a more affordable private accommodation.

Most of the aid is available from the drop-in centre, and the address is St John’s Hall, The Boulevard, Weston-super-Mare. This is where people that are less fortunate can turn to for help and free advice for their housing problem. When using the centre, individuals can meet with a social worker to get information on solutions which may be available. There are many housing support services provided by the charity to both landlords, the homeless, and individuals on a low income. Either drop in, or ring them at 01934 617617.

Benefits to landlords from the rent deposit bond scheme

Landlords from North Somerset also partner with WDGB and they can benefit from their services as well. They can gain financially, in some cases up to £300, by having a tenant in their flat or home, and it will also address any vacancy they have. The bonds issued by the charity are used for paying a rent deposit, and the landlords has much less risk in letting to a tenant that has this guarantee. Over the years thousands of people have used this service.

The landlord will also get help from tenancy agreements that are provided by WDGB, and the renter will also have ongoing advice provided by volunteers from the church. Clients will be enrolled into budgeting workshops in which they need to save their income for their deposits and take part in other stabilization. This will lessen the chance for future financial problems.

All of this this should help eliminate the chance for them to miss rent payments in the future. The individual going through the programme will also be enrolled into the government housing benefits, so this will help them with paying their rent in the future, which is another benefit for the landlord.

If there are any disputes in the future with the tenant, then mediation can be used, or other organisations such as a housing benefit contractor or even staff from NSC. The aim is to resolve any issues so both the landlord as well as the tenant have a strong relationship.

Tenant housing services from WDGB

The deposit bond guarantees are only for people with a local connection to North Somerset and that have lived in the area for six months or more. If an applicant is not eligible, then referrals may be provided from WDGB to other local charities or schemes, if available.

The charity will often give priority to certain individuals as well, such as young people. This is done as funds are limited and not all applicants will be approved for the deposit scheme. For people that are eligible, specialists from WDGB will also help with applying for housing benefits. This can often be a complicated task to do, so the charity can be very helpful with this.