HOUSING INFORMATION, SIGNPOSTING & SUPPORTBCHA and Path work in partnership to deliver the Housing Information, Signposting and Support Service (HISS) in Plymouth. This service is targeted at single homeless people, especially those with mental health, drugs/alcohol or offending issues.
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We are no longer taking referrals from any agencies other than Plymouth City Council. Referrals into the service are made by Plymouth City Community Connections Officers.
Planned and Longer Term Intervention & Support |
We will support an individual basis for up to 6 months.
Support may include;
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Client groups |
Clients are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, and have at least one of the following additional needs:
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How to access the service |
Case Study
T was referred into the service by Harbour, as her private rented property was not up to standard. PCC had offered a band T for access to social housing until all repairs were completed; once completed she would be reduced down to a D band, being much lower priority.
It wasn’t until our initial assessment that we found out it was much more than this. T was being subjected to mental and emotional abuse from her partner who was using substances and T was engaged in a reduction plan with Harbour. T was on a low income, we completed PIP forms to maximise her income. T made bids weekly on properties, but due to past substance misuse some housing providers declined accommodation. We advocated and explained about the DA and reduction on her prescription, they then decided to give her a chance.
Eventually, she was offered a 1 bed property with Livewest. T had to sign an ABC to say she would not have her ex-partner at the house and not take any substances.
We applied for Rent in Advance (RIA) through Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and to several charities as T had to flee her accommodation with only the clothes she had on her back and her cat. We were able to get a single bed, small sofa and a few other things from the Path furniture lock up and we gave bedding and other household goods from our store . We applied to the Path Hardship Fund for the delivery costs. A TV was donated from Harbour. Once charity money was confirmed we went out together and purchased household goods and appliances.
We also worked on her benefits, access to a dentist, counselling and recovery groups.
It wasn’t until our initial assessment that we found out it was much more than this. T was being subjected to mental and emotional abuse from her partner who was using substances and T was engaged in a reduction plan with Harbour. T was on a low income, we completed PIP forms to maximise her income. T made bids weekly on properties, but due to past substance misuse some housing providers declined accommodation. We advocated and explained about the DA and reduction on her prescription, they then decided to give her a chance.
Eventually, she was offered a 1 bed property with Livewest. T had to sign an ABC to say she would not have her ex-partner at the house and not take any substances.
We applied for Rent in Advance (RIA) through Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and to several charities as T had to flee her accommodation with only the clothes she had on her back and her cat. We were able to get a single bed, small sofa and a few other things from the Path furniture lock up and we gave bedding and other household goods from our store . We applied to the Path Hardship Fund for the delivery costs. A TV was donated from Harbour. Once charity money was confirmed we went out together and purchased household goods and appliances.
We also worked on her benefits, access to a dentist, counselling and recovery groups.
