In the first year of a partnership between homelessness charity Crisis and the TDS Charitable Foundation, almost 160 people have secured safe and stable homes in the private rented sector.

As part of the three-year partnership launched in September last year, the Charitable Foundation has funded a network of five dedicated Housing Access Specialists in Merseyside, Newcastle, Oxford, Birmingham, and South Wales.

These specialists are local experts who build positive relationships with landlords and letting agents, challenge myths about renting to people at risk of homelessness, and ensure that tenants get the support they need to move in and stay in their homes long term.

Covering additional costs

The TDS Charitable Foundation has also provided Crisis with £192,039 in direct funding to help people set up their home, covering essentials such as deposits and furniture.

Paula Quigley, Chair of the TDS Charitable Foundation, said: “This partnership continues to show the potential of the private sector to be part of the solution to homelessness. By working hand in hand with landlords, letting agents and local communities, we can make a real and lasting difference.”

Beyond practical help, the partnership has also driven wider policy change, such as campaigning to unfreeze housing benefit rates.

Paula added: “We urge the UK Government to build on this momentum through its homelessness strategy, ensuring the right policies and support are in place to scale up what our partnership has shown to work and create lasting change.”

Rebuilding lives

One person who has benefited is Chris, who faced being released from prison without anywhere to live. Determined to rebuild his life and reconnect with his daughter, he worked with Jo, a Crisis Housing Access Specialist, to secure a home.

Commenting on the support he received, Chris said: “We would view properties together. Luckily enough, we’ve then viewed another flat, which was refurbished too. They offered it to me. Taking that private property has now led to a full-time job. I top up my rent but mostly it’s paid by the housing benefit.”