Help at hand for people facing homelessness (From Mid Devon Star)

Help at hand for people facing homelessness

7:00am Friday 3rd July 2009

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FAMILIES at risk of homelessness through repossession or eviction are being offered help by Mid Devon council.

The Chancellor announced a further £20 million in the Budget to enable all local authorities to extend small loans to families at risk of homelessness through repossession or eviction.

A council spokesman said: “Mid Devon has now been advised of the level of grant awarded to the council under this scheme and will ensure the maximum numbers of households in genuine need of financial assistance are helped to stay in their homes.

“Relatively small amounts of money can prevent people from becoming homeless and the council already operates a successful Homelessness Prevention Fund that has made a significant difference in the prevention of homelessness within the district, seeing an overall reduction of 72% in the number of households being accepted as homeless since 2005.”

“This one-off extra funding will enable the council to extend their prevention funds to offer small loans to prevent repossessions and evictions, which are at risk of increasing as a result of the recession.

“In addition to helping homeowners struggling with their mortgage costs, this funding will be used to help tenants in the social or private rented sectors who – through no fault of their own – are struggling with their rental payments in the current climate and face eviction.”

“If you are worried about your home, do take this opportunity to contact us straight away to seek help – it’s confidential and may make all the difference.”

For more information contact the housing advice team on 01884 234906.

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