Eligibility and Access Pathways
Tenancy Sustainment Team
Support to people who have recently moved into their own accommodation.
Eligibility:
Be new to independent living following a period of homelessness and be at risk of returning to homelessness if left unsupported or those in housing already who are at risk of losing their tenancy.
Accommodation should be located in the wider Watford area.
Should have or be in the process of signing a tenancy agreement for either social or private rented accommodation.
Must be in need of tenancy related support i.e. requiring help to address and manage rent payment via UC/Housing Benefit, Council Tax and utilities.
Must be willing and able to engage with TST.
Referral should be made by a professional already working with the service user.
Up-to-date Risk and Needs assessment for the service user should be provided at the point of referral.
Access:
Not applicable for external agencies without prior agreement.
HopeHomes
Long-term affordable homes for people who have been homeless and are now ready to live independently.
Eligibility:
Single homeless men/women 18 years of age and over, with low support needs and risk and no children living with them.
Have an up-to-date risk and needs assessment in the last three months.
Have a bank account.
No history of anti-social and violent behaviour in the last 12 months, assessed on a
case-by-case basis.
No history of arson or sexual offences.
Have been free from illegal drug use or misuse of prescription drugs for 12 months.
Have not been alcohol dependent for the last 12 months.
Have stable mental health and must provide evidence that they are engaging with mental health services where appropriate.
Have demonstrated the ability to live in a shared living context and have sufficient life skills to live independently. This includes cleaning and tidying.
Will agree to a budget plan as part of the assessment process in order to demonstrate that they have the means to cover the weekly rent and have understanding of paying own bills. A standing order with their bank will need to be set up prior to moving in.
Be willing to actively engage in meaningful use of time, e.g. voluntary work, enter employment or training, engaging with Cultivate (New Hope’s in-house therapeutic service).
Engage with support from the TST support worker and management as per the support plan agreement.
Be a good fit with existing residents.
Provide a deposit of £560 if in full–time work / £250 if in receipt of Housing Benefit. A deposit payment plan can be put in place to reach this amount. This will be returned in full, if there are no rent arrears / damage prior to leaving Hope Homes. The deposit is held by New Hope
Access:
Online referral form www.newhope.org.uk/hopehomes-referral
Cultivate
Horticultural therapy and wellbeing support.
Eligibility:
Be accessing New Hope services currently for the duration of their time at New Hope or have transitioned out of New Hope services into One YMCA (including Housing First accommodation) or under the support of TST for an agreed length of time from two weeks to six months and would like the wellbeing support of Cultivate. Occasionally, Cultivate will take referrals for individuals access local partner agencies.
Access:
Not applicable for external agencies without prior agreement.