Temporary and Exempt Accommodation costs London Councils over £650 million per year. Approximately 20% of those in Temporary Accommodation are single person households aged between 18-30.
There can be a huge range of factors that lead to Young People residing in temporary or exempt accommodation. Many face multiple disadvantages for example they are often trauma survivors, have fled violence or have experience of the care and criminal justice systems. In exempt accommodations rents often in excess of £400 per week are covered by housing benefit.. Therefore young people find themselves in in a trap of unemployment as the minute they enter work they become liable for a significant portion of the rent.
In the UK the average person moves out of their family home aged 25. Therefore, we can assume most people do not develop the financial resources or independent living skills to obtain and retain a tenancy until their mid 20’s. For those with multiple disadvantages the barriers often seem insurmountable, particularly when the high rents in their temporary or exempt accommodation limit their ability to work.
Having worked in Youth Violence Intervention and Homelessness for many years we recognise insecure and poor quality housing is a significant driver for mental health issues, offending and long-term unemployment.
KeepItMoving aims to bring together Youth Work and Housing Expertise to support young people to not only move towards Independence but also to develop meaningful solutions to the housing crisis rooted in lived experience
We offer a 6-month intervention of wraparound support including
· Employment support
· Budgeting & Income Maximisation
· Searching for PRS Accommodation
· Attending Viewings
· Safety Planning in the New Area
· Problem Resolution
· Resettlement
· Independent Living Skills
· Support with Flat Sharing
The aim is to move Young People in Exempt Accommodation in to more affordable private rented accommodation that will enable them to work full time and move away from homelessness.
Alongside our direct work with Young People we also offer training to professionals who work with young people on Housing Legislation, Homelessness Advocacy for Young People and Tenancy Sustainment for Young People. We can provide consultancy for Supported Housing Providers & Local Authorities who wish to improve their move on rate. Delivered by experienced youth work and housing professionals
While our support can help individuals to progress from Temporary Accommodation, we recognise the current housing model is inherently flawed and exploitative. We want to empower young people to use
there lived experience to build solidarity and collaborate with those in similar situations to challenge the systems that oppress them. We reinvest our profits to bring about sustainable change in the housing sector