Sharing Solutions

Crisis Housing Coach

Better supporting young people into shared accommodation

Our model

• Peer Mentors

• Lead tenant

• PRS Practitioners Forum

Peer Mentors• Clients who have previously been housed through the Crisis Housing Coach Service

• Sharing personal experience and knowledge of process with new clients

• Supporting the delivery of Renting Ready pre-tenancy training

• Provide tenancy support to clients in new homes

• Recruited with the support of organisations internal volunteer recruitment procedures

• Provision of funding to complete Advice and Guidance QCF L3 alongside mentoring role

Peer MentorsChallenges and Learning

Challenge Learning

Transition from client to staff• Boundaries• Appropriate practice/language

• Intensive 1:1 guidance• Mock interviews• Clear boundaries between when “at work”

and when accessing support of project as a client

Appropriate/varied amount of support work available

• Identifying shadowing opportunities

Maintaining motivation and confidence • Giving constructive feedback in structured and supportive manner

• Feedback from colleagues not directly involved in project

Lead TenantWhy it’s a good idea•Creating an increased sense of “ownership” of the property•Good opportunity to gain a reference for future move-on•Creates structure and positive feel in the house – tenants know where they stand

How to identify a lead tenant•Client who feels confident and can be a positive role model•Client who is happy to take on responsibilities of lead tenant, but equally comfortable in contacting the scheme for additional support•Client who potentially has had previous experience of sharing with others

How it worked for us•Identified HMO with tenant matching and lead tenant potential•Offered first viewing, on acceptance of property approached client with lead tenant opportunity•Supported in setting up the house before remaining tenants moved in•Creating cleaning rotas, house guidelines•Interviewed potential tenants and identified good “match” on personalities and shared interests

Practitioners Forum• Pan London supportive network of PRS practitioners

• Aim of sharing best practice in the sector

• Issues and challenges in the sector and ways of addressing them

• Welfare reform and updates affecting client groups

• Property Sharing Protocol

Practitioners Forum

• Affordability – LHA rates

• Availability- Previous HMO’s being converted into studio/bedsit flats

• Landlord perceptions of young people

• Landlords willingness to accept tenants claiming HB

• Changes to welfare reform

Increasing access to shared accommodation for young people – the challenges

Practitioners ForumIncreasing access to shared accommodation for young people – best practiceAffordability

•Providing financial breakdown for landlords using LHA rates – borough specific

Availability

•Supporting clients to “self source” accommodation – increasing ownership•Incentives for clients who “introduce” new landlords to schemes•“Test” tenancies with new landlords to increase confidence•Property Sharing Protocol•Tenant advertising – leafleting, website profiles, adverts in shop windows, accessing the “hidden” property market

Practitioners ForumIncreasing access to shared accommodation for young people – best practiceLandlord perceptions of young people

•Sharing case studies of clients success stories with potential landlords

•Developing tenant “CV’s”

•Checklist of appropriate questions for viewings – clients showing their knowledge and responsibilities

•Lead tenant model

Landlord willingness to accept tenants claiming housing benefit•Scheme support available, including robust financial package (bonds/deposits)•Fast track housing benefit claims•Tenant “matching” service• Providing quick turnaround for landlords – preventing voids

Changes to welfare reform

•Providing up to date information – newsletters etc. and examples of how changes will impact clients and how your service will make relevant adjustments

•Landlord events – networking and showcasing your service

Creating a tenant “CV” or advertisement

• Understanding your landlord

• What do they want?

• What are their main concerns?

•What are you are looking for?

•Tenancy skills

•Previous experience

•References from former housemates/landlords

•Interests/Hobbies

•Personal qualities/ what you can bring to shared house

•Training and education plans

•Employment or Voluntary work

Creating a tenant “CV” or advertisement

Creating a tenant “CV” or advertisement

Dear Susan,

My name is Arto and I saw your advert on Gumtree for a double room in the area of Lewisham which is available from today. I am emailing to find out is your room still available? In case you have not already found someone let me tell you a little about me.

I am 36 year old guy who has been fully house trained, as I like cleaning, cooking and gardening. I was recently made redundant from my job as a cleaner but I am actively seeking cleaning roles and I am fully confident that I will gain work again very soon. I have attended a few interviews recently and have been volunteering my time at a local community centre.

I would currently need to claim Housing Benefit to assist with my rent. The Local Housing Allowance rate in Lewisham for a room is around £92 per week (I am happy to ensure these payments will be made direct to you) which I would be willing to top up by £18 each week to cover any household bills. This would add up to your advertised rent of £110 per week. I have one month rent in advance available , which means that I would be able to move in quickly. I am happy to answer any further questions you may have on 07777222345 or email happyhousemate@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you