We are proud to work with over 50 local authorities and housing associations to ensure housing applicants are exploring all the available options to move on to permanent social housing.
Our Homefinder UK’s 100 Moves Club, made up of Haringey, Islington, Barking & Dagenham and Lewisham councils, are great examples of how partnership working and a collaborative effort can and will support homeless households to access social housing nationwide. Together, these councils have helped 498 formerly homeless households, who now reside in permanent social housing in various locations throughout the UK. These individuals and families are no longer in danger of domestic abuse, rough sleeping or facing fears of eviction by a private landlord.
How can local authorities effectively use Homefinder UK to prevent and relieve homelessness?
The achievements by Lewisham, Barking & Dagenham, Islington and Haringey councils are due to collaborative efforts and a real commitment to Homefinder UK service.
These councils have truly embedded Homefinder UK into their homelessness prevention and relief strategy. Their front-line teams offer Homefinder UK as an option to those applicants who are willing and ready to move. The four councils apply different tactics and strategies, but adding Homefinder UK to Personal Housing Plans is a common approach among the councils. The result? Positive outcomes for families and individuals and large savings in temporary accommodation.
Jemima Harrison, Housing Solutions Team Leader at Lewisham Council, says:
“From the moment we joined Homefinder UK, we embedded the partnership as a core part of our homeless interviews and personal housing plans. We have rehoused so many more applicants by being realistic about waiting times for London housing and always offering Homefinder UK as an alternative”
Kiran Aujla, Housing Triage manager at Islington, believes Homefinder UK has been a great ally to support those who are not considered in high priority need:
"Homefinder UK has been an excellent success story in the council. One of the reasons I champion the service is that it is not just for families but also single people. Many people I have worked with would not have a priority need under The Housing Act and would not ordinarily get a council/housing association property. We work closely with the case managers at Homefinder UK, receiving a fast response for any references, any outstanding documents or any questions tenants may have"
Why councils should join Homefinder UK?
As a national housing mobility scheme, Homefinder UK acts as a bridge between councils and registered social housing providers across the country. Homefinder UK allows councils to access social housing nationally by overcoming barriers such as the need for a local connection when moving from one borough to another.
Peter Ledger, Move-On Officer for Haringey, explains the benefits:
"The chance to offer social housing outside London is a real asset. Many who moved stated that, while it was a massive change, the results were better housing, less densely populated than London and more affordable options. This would not happen without the professional service offered by Homefinder UK from their helpful and friendly staff. It is a pleasure to be part of his life-changing partnership"
Zubair Bawa, Housing Enforcement Specialist at London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, agrees that the scheme offers an opportunity to create a positive impact in the lives of so many:
“Through our collaborative partnership with Homefinder UK, we can rebuild the lives of people in need of urgent social housing. The scheme delivers cost-effective services and I recommend for other councils to use Homefinder UK as an effective Homelessness Prevention Tool”
Visit our Success Stories page to hear from our member local authorities and housing associations on how Homefinder UK helped them reduce homelessness in their local area.
