A scheme to help those most in need has seen 31 households managed by Homes in Somerset receive around £12,000 in financial support this past year.
The Hardship Fund, money allocated by HiS, has seen 15 cash payments to customers, with 16 successful applications for the purchase of goods or services.
The cash payments have covered heating, utilities debt, flooring, food and furnishings, and other debt for those in need. Purchases on behalf of customers included lawnmowers, white goods, beds and carpets.
Income Team Leader Ian Richards, said: “I am really pleased that over the last year, Homes in Somerset has been able to support so many customers facing extreme financial hardship or who were struggling to keep warm over winter. Our team of Income Officers are here to support customers in sustaining their tenancies and maximise income, and along with charity partners we have been able to help more customers than ever before.”
Through the Hardship fund, eight grants were made to our Independent Living Service customers and the other 23 were all general needs tenancies.
Among those benefiting are a care leaver, with little disposable income. The funds allowed for them to put carpets down in their property to reduce noise complaints in their block.
Two of our families have also benefited from new beds for children to help them sleep with adequate bedding.
Eight families have received the equivalent of at least a months’ worth of food, allowing freezers to be stocked up for use during future periods of financial hardship.
Two families were gifted lawn mowers and garden clearance, to make future maintenance manageable and to assist in making the neighbourhood more attractive whilst complying with the tenancy agreement.
Feedback from our customers:
“I would just like to thank you for your help regarding the fund for my electric. As soon as I received it, it went straight onto my electric meter. I am truly grateful to you and to Homes in Somerset.”
“My cupboards are full … my stress has eased … I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you have done for me.”
“I honestly did not know how I could live, and you have helped me so much. I cannot tell you how much your help and support has changed my life.”
Alongside the Hardship Fund, Homes in Somerset were also successful in receiving a grant from Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) to award payments to tenants over 60, to help warm their homes and survive winter.
These cash payments of between £200-£500 helped provide immediate relief for those living in fuel poverty for use on paying heating bills or other items.
A total of £10,000 was granted to 36 customers which included tenants and leaseholders.
20 of the grants were for ILS customers without the use of warm communal rooms and the remaining 16 were all general need tenants or leaseholders.
We hope to run the same scheme in winter 2025/26.