As a charity which provides supported accommodation to homeless individuals with multiple needs, we know all too well the stress that comes with facing homelessness. We also know that as the housing and cost of living crisis continues to bite, there are more people wondering where they’re going to live when their notice period runs out. Homelessness isn’t just something that affects other people – the very stark reality is it’s something any of us could face at any time.
You might be reading this right now, scared that you’re going to be left behind, reliant on the good will of a friend or family member who will let you use their sofa or, worse, fearing you might have to sleep on the streets. But it’s important you know this – there are places to turn to and organisations that will try their best to help and, on this page, we’re going to explain where to get help if you’re facing homelessness.
Before we begin, if you’re also struggling to pay your bills or put food on the table, you might wish to take a look at our guide on where to get help if you’re struggling with the cost of living.
You can find it here: https://www.harbourhousing.com/cost-of-living/where-to-get-help-if-youre-struggling-with-cost-of-living-in-cornwall/
The first thing to do is make contact with the Housing Options Service, provided by Cornwall Housing on behalf of Cornwall Council. Their homelessness prevention team is able to assist you by providing help and advice.
Things they can help with include trying to help prevent you become homeless, help find you new accommodation or where possible, help you keep the home you are currently living in.
On the Housing Options web page, it states that the earlier they know about the problems you are facing, the more they are likely to be able to help.
There are two ways of getting in touch with the Housing Options team. The easiest way is to register on the ‘Housing Jigsaw’ platform, which will send your details to their homelessness team.
You can access Housing Jigsaw here: https://live.housingjigsaw.co.uk/
If you are unable to access the internet, you can also call the team on 0300 1234 161.
If you approach the service because you are threatened with homelessness or already homeless, the Housing Options team will, after completing identity checks and the contact details for the person asking you to leave where you currently are living and set up a link for you to register with their customer portal.
Once this is completed you will be invited for an assessment, which will take approximately an hour, and this will take assessment of your circumstances in order to establish the best way of helping you. If you are eligible for housing services in the United Kingdom and homeless or facing homelessness, you will be given a named caseworker in order to create a personal housing plan.
It’s worth noting that while going through the Housing Options pathway, you should keep trying to obtain alternative accommodation irrespective of any appointment or assessment you may have with their team.
Find out more about the Cornwall Housing Homelessness prevention and Housing Options Service here: https://www.cornwallhousing.org.uk/find-a-home/the-housing-options-service/
You might also find this link with information from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau of use: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/homelessness/applying-for-homeless-help/check-if-you-can-apply-for-homeless-help/#h-find-out-if-you-can-get-emergency-housing
The projects you can self-refer for are:
Empowering Independence: Accommodation – Our Empowering Independence project is one where those who come to live at our properties are given tailored support in order to help them overcome the barriers that lie between themselves and independent living. Find out more about the Empowering Independence Accommodation project here: https://www.harbourhousing.com/what-we-do/supported-accommodation/
Empowering Independence: Outreach – Our Empowering Independence Outreach project brings the support of our Empowering Independence project to your own home. This project involves us working with you to maintain your tenancy and access support with the aim of preventing you becoming homeless. This comprises short term support (typically up to six months) with independent living skills and the self-management of health and wellbeing for people in the St Austell, Newquay and Padstow areas. Find out more about the Empowering Independence Outreach project here: https://www.harbourhousing.com/what-we-do/outreach/
The EVA Project – The EVA Project (Empowered, Valued, Aware) is our dedicated accommodation and support for women fleeing domestic abuse and sexual violence. All residents at our EVA Project are offered support which is individually tailored to them and their experiences while living in accommodation which is safe, secure, welcoming and homely. Find out more about the EVA Project here: https://www.harbourhousing.com/what-we-do/eva-project/
Find out how you can self refer for one of our projects here: https://www.harbourhousing.com/help-us/referral/
14th November
Thank you to the community in St Ervan!
19th May
Last year, Tim Styles, cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats unsupported in under five days. Next month, he is going one better: Land’s End to John o’ Groats AND back down to Land's End!
6th April
Over the last few months at Harbour, we have been putting together and distributing warm packs to help people on low income reduce their energy bills.
16th March
Harbour's trainee clinical psychologist placement student has started peer supervision sessions with Harbour staff.
7th March
We are delighted to announce we have set up a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered care service!
8th November
It’s almost that time of year – Christmas. The time of year for the gift of giving.
This year, have you considered giving a gift to someone for whom Christmas might be a bit less merry than usual?
