CDHT working to tackle homelessness in the North West
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) has joined forces with more than 100 other housing associations in the North West to make a pledge to tackle homelessness in the region.
A set of commitments have been launched this week, in the run up to Christmas, a time of year when it seems even more shocking that people can be homeless in our society. David Shaw, Assistant Director – Customer & Housing Access at CDHT was invited to speak at the launch.
The report ‘The North West’s housing associations – our commitments to tackling homelessness’ reveals there are simply not enough homes in the region. Waiting lists for a social home increased 10% in 2008 to 234,500 households, and have grown by over 50% in the last five years – the biggest rise in the country. This is set to increase further due to the economic downturn unless action is taken.
CDHT is one of over 100 housing associations who have already signed up to the commitments. Collectively they manage over 450,000 homes.
The purpose of the commitments are to ensure housing associations and local authorities work together to deliver key services, provide support and offer solutions to help tackle the tragedy of homelessness. The report identifies factor such as worklessness, financial exclusion, anti-social behaviour and low educational attainment which all increase the risk of homelessness.
The aim of the commitments are to:
• Help people remain in their homes
• Tackle the factors that make people more likely to become homeless
• Help people who have become homeless get the support they need
• Address the fundamental shortage of homes.
Housing associations in the region are already helping tackle homelessness in many ways. The report included a survey of associations which found that:
• 74% provide access to training to increase the chances of employment for their tenants
• 76% have developed links with local credit unions and now tenants and residents of over 240,000 properties can access affordable credit
• 98% of associations offer their tenants access to a housing advice service to help maintain their tenancy
• The 100+ associations involved have committed to work closely with local authorities and develop a homelessness strategy and action plan, which will reduce homelessness amongst their tenants and in the wider community, and offer help to those who do loose their homes.
Su Bramley, Deputy Chief Executive of CDHT said;
“The commitment of such a large number of North West housing associations just shows what can be achieved when organisations come together. CDHT’s role as a principal landlord, developer, support provider and community employer across Cheshire West & Chester highlights the real differences which we can all have on the lives of our most vulnerable customers.”
Sharon Morris, Housing Options & Pathways Manager at CDHT added;
“CDHT has supported over 1,000 customers over the last 12 months who have received help, support and new opportunities when faced with homelessness. Our specialist teams provide real choice, advice and a helping hand when you need it most. Should we be able to help, please ask for a member of our Housing Options & Pathways Team, based in our city centre location or call freephone 08081007701.”
Sallie Bridgen, National Housing Federation North West Regional Manager said:
“Homelessness has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Housing associations are working in communities to tackle issues such as worklessness, financial exclusion and anti-social behaviour which all contribute to homelessness. Our report highlights the great work housing associations are already doing, and the commitments demonstrate their ongoing drive to tackle this issue.
We are delighted CDHT has made this commitment to tackle homelessness."
Ends – 606 words
Caption:
Sharon Morris, Housing Options & Pathways Manager and Su Bramley, Deputy Chief Executive of Chester & District Housing Trust with the new information pack on homelessness.
For more information and photos please visit:
http://www.marketingprojects.co.uk/clientpo/chester-district-housing-trust
Notes to editor
‘The North West’s housing associations – our commitments to tackling homelessness’ was written and produced by the National Housing Federation and funded by 4NW.
The Federation represents 1,200 independent, not-for-profit housing associations in England. Together, our members provide 2 million affordable homes for around 5 million people. www.housing.org.uk
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA) is the independent regulator for affordable housing. It launched on 1 December 2008 and currently regulates housing associations. From spring 2010, subject to Parliamentary approval, the TSA will also regulate other providers of social housing, such as local authorities and arm’s-length management organisations.
Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) is a dynamic and enterprising organisation at the forefront of delivering positive impacts in the communities with which it works. The Trust’s homes span six communities – Blacon North; Blacon South; Chester City Area; The Rurals; Lache and Handbridge; Upton, Hoole, Newton and Plas Newton.
Committed to the best principles of social enterprise with over 14,000 local customers in 6,200 properties and 53% of its 275 colleagues living within its communities, the Trust adheres to key commitments and principles relating to people, places, partnerships and performance which underpin the Vision to ‘create opportunity’, through its mission, ‘by doing the right thing’.
The Trust is about being transparent and accountable in everything that is done and to this end is one of the first organisations nationally to have established a Residents’ Board, with full delegated powers from the Trust Board, to direct services which impact upon their lives.
The Trust has a comprehensive development programme delivering over 330 new homes including the £12million regeneration of the Treborth Road area of Chester providing new homes for rent, sale and shared ownership, as well as a village green and wildlife habitats.
CDHT also provides services on a partnership basis, to a number of other customers e.g. Telecare services, TrustWorks Maintenance Services, Housing Options advice, waiting list management and choice based lettings to neighbouring local authorities and registered social landlords.
The Trust is rated as two Star excellent by the Audit Commission, has the highest possible rating from Telecare Services Association and is also credited Investors in People and is the overall Employer of the Year For Cheshire West. It has been in the ‘Top 100 Sunday Times best companies to work for’ for the last 2 years.
For more details please visit Click here to view the website or request a copy of CDHT’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014.
CDHT Press Contacts: Phil Brotherhood
Click here to email Phil
M: 07884 493370
Jane Harrad-Roberts
Click here to email Jane
M: 07785 395705
W: Click here to view the website
T: 01244 330000
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