Supported Accommodation
Harry Mears House is our main Supported Accommodation, the flats are located near Tesco's in Gilesgate, Durham. Interviews are arranged and held from there for possible future tenants.
- Eight fully furnished, fully equipped flats with own bathrooms/kitchens.
- For single men and women aged between 16 - 65 who are homeless or about to become homeless.
- All applications are treated in confidence and considered against DASH selection criteria (benefit and Supporting People eligibility usually applies).
- All applicants will be offered selection interview.
- Written interview decisions will be sent within 10 working days.
- Successful applicants are given 6 month assured shorthold tenancies, these are not renewable but tenancies may be extended if the tenancy has not been problematic.
- All tenants are allocated a named worker.
- Support staff are on site 8:30 - 6:30 Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 11:30 Saturday.
- 24 hour 'Citycare' emergency contact units are present in all DASH supported accommodation.
DASH support includes -
- Help with accessing Housing and Council Tax benefit.
- Help with accessing mainstream housing.
- Setting up and maintaining a new tenancy.
- Directing to and liaising with specialised support agencies.
- Budgeting guidance and other daily living skills.
- Information on local services and amenities.
- Service user involvement at DASH Focus group meetings.
- Regular supervised drop-in coffee afternoons for current and ex-service users.
- Occasional visits/trips away.
DASH Supported Houses
Some longer term accommodation is provided in four 2 bedroomed properties and two self contained flats but vacancies for these properties are infrequent and are intended specifically for people with longer term support needs.