TDS and Crisis help nearly 160 people solve their homelessness in first year of partnership

This July marked the first-year anniversary of the TDS Charitable Foundation’s three-year partnership with national homelessness charity Crisis.

Together, we’re making the private rented sector work better for people facing homelessness.

As homelessness rises in the UK, the private rented sector (PRS) must play a vital role in providing homes for people in housing need. But the housing and cost of living crisis is making it harder than ever for people experiencing homelessness to find and sustain a home in the PRS.

What is the partnership about?

Our partnership with Crisis is making the private rented sector more accessible by:

• Funding specialist Housing Access roles across the UK to build relationships with landlords and create routes into quality homes

• Helping Crisis members to sustain their tenancies

• An Innovation Fund that addresses financial barriers to accessing the PRS  

• Improving data collection to share evidence with policymakers about what’s working

What have we achieved so far?

Over the past year, TDS funded Housing Access roles have helped 158 people to solve their homelessness with new PRS tenancies.

Across Crisis, 364 people have secured homes in the PRS and 95 people have been supported to stay in their homes thanks to the work of the Skylight staff.

Chris’ story

After leaving prison, Chris came to Crisis looking for support and a fresh start. With the help of Jo, Housing Access Specialist, he moved into a safe, secure home – and started to rebuild his life. Chris’ new home allowed him to rebuild relationships with his daughter and ex-partner, and to secure a job.

“I was given the chance, and I took that chance. And it’s paid off.” – Chris

Jo’s role, funded by TDS Charitable Foundation, is all about helping Crisis members to find good-quality homes in the private rented sector – and for Chris, it’s made all the difference. “If Crisis didn’t have someone like Jo doing that vital role, maybe I wouldn’t be in the position I am in now. Crisis changed my life so much for the better,” says Chris.

What are landlords saying?

The success of the initiative relies on access to decent and affordable private rented homes and landlords who want to be part of the solution to ending homelessness.

Here’s what landlords are saying about working with Crisis so far:

“I am really happy with the way Crisis matched tenants to my property and the support they got to move in” – Andy Gateshead

“Crisis provides a really helpful, supportive and fair service to landlords, whilst ensuring quality housing for those most in need in society" – Lynsey McAdam

We’ll continue to report on the impact of the partnership on individual lives and share lessons to support the wider roll-out of the model across the sector.

For more information, visit the Crisis website.