Homelessness and prevention
If you're threatened with homesslessness we will work with you
to try and prevent you becoming homeless or try to delay it until
you can find an alternative. We will provide you with a full
housing options assessment and can provide you with information,
guidance or more specialised support.
Getting help
If you are about to become homessless you should contact
the Homelessness Advice Centre using the contact details on this
page.
The types of help we offer
We can look at all your housing options and
can provide you with information, guidance or more specialised
support.
These are some of the examples of the work we
can do for you:
- Mediation work with your landlord or who you are staying with
so that you can remain there until you can find somewhere else to
live.
- Tell you your rights as a lodger or tenant.
- Housing options advice to help you find somewhere else to
live.
- Help with debt or mortgage problems.
- Help with applications for Housing Benefit to cover your rent
shortfall.
- Help if you are experiencing domestic violence problems.
- Refer you to supported housing.
- Refer you for housing related support.
What if my homelessness cannot be prevented?
If you cannot carry on living where you are we will consider
your circumstances under the Homelessness Law. Under this we will
assess whether you are:
Eligible for assistance: Most people are
eligible for assistance. However you are probably not eligible for
assistance if:
- You are an asylum seeker (more on asylum
and immigration)
- You are from abroad and you have limited rights to stay in the
UK
- You are not entitled to public funds
- You are not normally resident in the UK
Homeless or threatened with homelessness: This
means if you have nowhere legally available to stay that is
reasonable to do so, or you may lose your home within 28 days. You
may be at risk of violence or harassment in your home.
In priority need: This means if you fall into
one of the categories set out in homelessness law.
Intentionally Homeless: This means that you
have done or failed to do something that has caused you to lose
your home. Examples include:
- If you have deliberately given up your accommodation when you
could have reasonably continued to live there.
- If you are evicted for rent or mortgage arrears due to a
consistent refusal to pay.
Local Connection: This means if you have a
certain connection with Rochdale, for example if you work here.
The assessment can take some time to complete and we will write
to you to tell you of our decision and what help and support we may
be able to give you. You may be offered somewhere to live on a
temporary basis whilst we carry out your homeless assessment,
including Leopold Court (a direct access hostel for single homeless
people), temporary accommodation for families. However we will only
do this if we have reason to believe that you may be eligible for
assistance, homeless and in priority need. If you do not agree with
the decision made then you can ask for a review of the decision. We
will tell you how you can do this in the letter we send you.
Tackling homelessness
Client centred services: reducing barriers
Rochdale's homelessness population has very diverse needs. A
successful homelessness service must demonstrate an ability to
promote good practice, recognising and respecting the needs of the
individual.
The myths, stereotypes and misunderstandings around homelessness
build barriers that cause the exclusion of people affected by
homelessness.
Prevention of homelessness
A pro-active approach to preventing homelessness. This included
advice and advocacy on housing related issues and effective sign
posting to relevant partner agencies.
Homelessness prevention officers, resettlement services are
available as well as an inclusion project managed by Shelter,
offering support to households who are homeless or who are likely
to become homeless as a result of anti-social behaviour.
Services for single homeless applicants
Rochdale has a 27 bedded Emergency Direct Access Unit providing
short stay accommodation.
The voluntary sector within the borough provides a range of
supported housing projects including a Night Stop for 16-17 year
olds and a medium stay hostel for 16-17 year olds.
Other services include support for street drinkers, medical
services from a dedicated team, joint assessment with Social Care
Services for 16-17 year olds, drug/alcohol related services.
Services for priority needs applicants
The provision of high quality temporary accommodation in
locations across the borough, together with residential support
workers, family support workers, childrens' workers, resettlement
workers and an Asian female support worker, with additional forms
of support from partner agencies, provide a holistic approach.
A women's refuge offers a place of safety and support for women
and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Resettlement services
The Refugee Resettlement initiative takes referrals and provides
support, advice and information to empower refugees. The aim of the
project is to develop long term integration into the local
community.
Single persons resettlement, family resettlement, community
link workers and an Asian female support work offer a service
to homeless service users which facilitates their move into a new
home, helping to address practical and emotional issues that can,
if not addressed, become a barriers to success.