Our new homes team recently saved Christmas for one Wandle resident who was struggling with rent arrears.
Our tenant was living alone in a three bedroom property and was struggling to afford her rent due to the increase in living costs and only being eligible for partial housing benefit as a single occupant.
Our tenant did not inform us of her situation, which left her in rent arrears and struggling to cope. Fortunately, she contacted our resident support team who referred her to our new homes team to find our resident a more suitable and affordable home.
Our new homes team found a beautiful one bedroom property and ensured it was fitted with new carpets and was redecorated prior to our tenant moving in. We helped our tenant clear her rent arrears, paid the removal costs and gave her further support through our helping hand fund to remove any further pressure and support her in her new home in time for Christmas.
Suzanne Horsley, Executive Director, Customer Services and Operational Services said, ‘Our colleagues across Wandle worked hard to ensure our tenant was settled into her new home in time for Christmas. By supporting her to address her financial situation, has given our tenant the opportunity to start over again without the worry of being homeless.’
If you are struggling with any issues mentioned in this article and are unable to pay your rent, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Information about the Helping Hand Fund
The Helping Hand Fund is available to all Wandle residents who are financially struggling. It aims to support residents by providing vouchers for food and other household items from supermarkets, furniture, carpets, washing machines, essential white goods, and even technology as internet access is now essential for Universal Credit and other online services. Please note that the fund is not to be used to cover your rent.
Applications for the Helping Hand Fund are now open. You can apply by emailing helpinghandfund@wandle.com.