Helping to prevent homelessness this winter

20.01.2021

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“Since Covid-19, demand for our services has spiralled, with increasing numbers of people experiencing drops in income, employment interruptions and consequent financial crises, creating high levels of homelessness risk” explains Charlotte Eddisford from CHAS.

“In August 2020 alone, we received 92% more enquiries than in August 2019. With winter fully upon us, there is an impending crisis across the city which will affect individuals, families and communities who are already facing multiple disadvantages.”

Forced to close advice lines due to overwhelming demand

“We have been repeatedly forced to close our advice lines in recent months, due to overwhelming levels of enquiries. This grant will ensure we keep our advice lines open throughout the coldest months, enabling us to offer immediate support to those facing housing emergencies” Charlotte explains.

“During the first lockdown, many existing beneficiaries required support with basic essentials, such as food. Additional capacity will ensure we can provide holistic support to vulnerable clients in coming weeks.”

Grant boost for advice and support service

We recently awarded CHAS Bristol £10,996 for their Winter Homelessness Prevention Support in Bristol project.

This funding will help them temporarily increase the amount of people they can support this winter. This will help people in Bristol living in unsuitable or insecure housing get much-needed homelessness prevention advice and support services.

Helping a care worker facing eviction

Increased capacity will also ensure they can provide complex casework. They have recently advocated for a care worker with no recourse to public funds, who was facing eviction after losing their job during Covid-19. With their support and sustained advocacy, he was able to stay in his home. Such cases are complex and time consuming, funding will enable them to provide enhanced support to more people.