Landlord event in Coventry seeks to unlock private lettings

The Salvation Army and others are helping people get back on their feet after experiencing homelessness by hosting an open day for prospective Coventry landlords on 15 September.   

Tony Higham, Service Manager at The Salvation Army in Coventry is urging landlords not to discount people who have experienced homelessness; he said: “We need landlords urgently who are willing to help house people who have been made homeless in the past but who have a proven track record of sustaining their independent accommodation. There are so many reasons people become homeless – often it is due to relationship breakdown or loss of employment. Many just need a place of their own so they can really start to rebuild their lives.”  

More than 800 people asked for help from Coventry City Council in 2015, because they were homeless or being made homeless. The number of people experiencing homelessness and being referred to The Salvation Army in Coventry increased by 25% between 2014/15 and 2015/16.   

The event will highlight the opportunities available when taking on a tenant who has formerly experienced homelessness.   The open day will take place at The Salvation Army’s Coventry City church in Upper Well Street on Thursday 15 September from 11.30am to 1.30pm, with light refreshments available. Landlords will be able to find out more about the range of free services on offer which could help them find suitable tenants.   

With more than 800 people seeking help from the local authority last year, local agencies are working together to request support from private landlords to help find people somewhere to live.   The Salvation Army, Coventry City Council, Crisis Skylight and St. Basils will be at the open day to highlight to landlords the type of scheme, opportunities  and support on offer to landlords and tenants.    Private landlords who support people who rely on help from Housing Benefit will have access to advice and guidance from a housing professional. Expert advice is available in dealing with clients with support needs or Housing Benefit, help with paperwork, help to access rent in advance, and a ready supply of potential tenants.   Tony Higham said, “Comprehensive free schemes are available to landlords and organisations supporting those who have been homeless in the city.  People looking for accommodation that we recommend have the skills and support to cope with a tenancy.    If landlords have spare capacity within their property and would like to help someone in the city please come to the event or contact us so we can begin to place people who need a space to call home".