We partnered with first direct to help people facing housing injustice and homelessness.
Through their Home from Home scheme, which gives private renters access to free, specialist support with housing, debt, and welfare issues, they've supported first direct customers in Scotland when they need it most.
We work together to ensure private renters can get help with issues they are facing in their tenancy, such as unaffordable rent increases and being served with an eviction notice.
Polly Neate, Chief Executive at Shelter said,
Rising rents and spiralling living costs are pushing more struggling renters to the brink of homelessness. Every day we help people to find or keep hold of a safe home, and our work is as critical as ever. Our partnership with first direct will help their customers access vital housing advice and support at a time when they need it most. It will also help our frontline services continue providing free and expert support to thousands of other people facing homelessness, as well as helping us campaign for lasting change.
We are proud to have recently been awarded as one of first direct's charity partners of the year. Their staff show their support and passion for our work through fundraising events and challenges, clothing donations to our Shelter shops, and volunteering.
Chris Pitt, CEO, at first direct said,
No-one should face the prospect of homelessness. With losing a private rental now the second leading trigger of homelessness, our partnership with Shelter aims to support private renters who find themselves in difficulty. We believe that our customers should feel they can come to us for help when they need it. Our dedicated team and the experts from Shelter will be providing support and guidance to private renters in tough situations. This is particularly important in the context of the cost of living rise, where people have lower levels of financial resilience than before. This is just part of the support we’re offering customers during this difficult time.
