Streets2Homes is a charity based in Harlow, Essex and we provide a day centre which seeks to reach out to and help homeless people. We provide a safe and friendly environment in which we can assist them in a number of ways including finding accommodation.
The demand for housing in this area always outstrips availability so it can take time to find suitable accommodation and we are always looking for good landlords to work with us. The day centre provides a place to access housing advice and practical assistance to secure accommodation, social contact, training sessions, employment advice, health services, washing facilities, food, clothing, general guidance and support.
Outreach
Our outreach workers respond to reports of rough sleepers by going out on the streets and meeting with them. Inform them of services available, encourage them to come to the centre. Sometimes it takes time to build trust and confidence so this can take several visits until they are ready to come into the centre. We also carry out joint outreach with other agencies such as; DWP to ensure a rough sleeper is getting the benefits they are entitled to and not having to beg for money and food; drug and alcohol treatment teams and mental health teams to engage with rough sleepers and help them access services so they can get help to stay well and safe. We will ensure they have food, water, clothes and warm dry bedding until they are ready to access services.
Day Centre Services
The day centre provides a safe and friendly environment. We also have showers, clean clothes, refreshments, breakfast, healthy freshly cooked meal, assistance to claim benefits, seek accommodation, training and volunteering opportunities to enhance employability and confidence and life skills. We facilitate several workshop sessions to help with knowledge, confidence and well-being such as an art project, cooking skills, job club, computer club and the opportunity to complete accredited courses. Volunteering at the centre also enables our clients to help shape the services and provide insight to help us plan future projects.
Help to seek and secure accommodation
We have experienced staff to help find solutions to relieve or prevent homelessness, we have links with many local landlords in the private rented sector and can help remove barriers to securing accommodation through one of our deposit schemes. We also run a weekly tenancy workshop to help people who are struggling with their accommodation or who are seeking alternative accommodation. We hold regular multi-agency meetings with relevant partners to explore options, source suitable accommodation and develop support plans.
Prevention of Homelessness
The earliest someone is aware they are at risk of losing their accommodation and are at risk of becoming homeless the better, as prevention is far better than cure. We can liaise with the landlord and other agencies, provide mediation, work out repayments for arrears, provide support and assistance to ensure the tenant can stay in property.
Warm Space
Streets2Homes Day Room is open Monday to Friday 9am to 2pm for a warm welcome as well as teas and coffees for a 50p donation (no fee for homeless).
You can find contact details on the Streets2Homes website.
