East Dorset Citizens Advice launches housing support appeal
They're looking to raise extra funds as demand for help increases
Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck has set up an appeal to raise funds for a housing project, which will provide support for local families and individuals who are at risk of homelessness.
It's a one-stop support service offering housing and financial advice to vulnerable people.
From January to November 2023, the local branch of Citizens Advice helped 953 people with 2,241 housing issues.
In November alone, the housing team helped 98 people.
Demand is expected to increase further as more people may be unable to pay rent and bills due to the increased cost of living.
Katrina Ford, Business Development Manager, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said:
“Our housing team provides essential support by offering both housing and financial advice, particularly to residents who need help navigating the system and the application process.
“Some people do not have the skills to maintain tenancies, making them vulnerable to homelessness. Unfortunately, our external funding is coming to an end and we are in desperate need to be able to continue to offer this essential free service.
“Housing is a key issue for lots of local people. Many families and individuals are housed in temporary accommodation out of the area, which typically have higher rents, resulting in higher transport costs to work and school, loss of support networks together with other additional costs.”
Mandy Mitchell is the sister of a client who the housing team recently helped. Mandy said:
“My brother has a serious heart condition and PTSD and was unable to work so was at risk of homelessness. Without the help of the Citizens Advice housing team I really do not know where my brother would be now. Their knowledge, expertise and compassion is amazing. I can’t begin to imagine what people will do if this service is no longer available.”
The service is aiming to raise £5,000 towards the project, |newtab) with everything donated being match funded by insurance company Aviva.
You can contact East Dorset and Purbeck Citizens Advice through their website or call 0800 144 8848, 10.00am to 4.00pm weekdays.