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Home Matters
Supported Housing Schemes
There are 17 Supported Housing Schemes in Harlow, providing housing with support for those over the age of 65 .
Accommodation consists of bungalows and flats with communal areas, to enable tenants to mix and socially integrate .
To find out more about how to apply for Supported Housing please call 01279 446655 .
Careline
The Careline alarm is available to anyone of any age who is vulnerable, living alone, disabled, elderly or feels at risk for any reason .
This gives them the confidence that they always have somebody to help them in an emergency .
To find out more about the Careline service please telephone 01279 446361 .
Existing Supported Housing tenants
If you are an existing Sheltered Housing Tenant and are experiencing any issues or problems with paying your rent please speak to your Housing Support and Telecare Officer .
Alternately, you can call Contact Harlow on 01279 446655 for general issues and the HTS Repair Centre on 01279 446666 to report any repairs .
Tackling Harlow’s housing need
The Housing Needs Register remains open and you can apply from the council’s website .
Visit: www .harlow .gov . uk/housing-and-garages/ homelessness/finding accommodation
Get help to prevent you from becoming homeless
If you think you might become homeless in the next 10 days, it’s important you contact Harlow Council as soon as possible on 01279 446655 for housing advice .
There are many reasons why you may be at risk of losing your home:
Rent arrears private sector and social housing
Mortgage arrears
Loss of income
Friends/family are no longer able to accommodate you
Private landlord is selling the property
Change in your circumstances
Domestic abuse and fleeing violence
Get help, advice and support
If you are threatened with homelessness or think you might become homeless with 56 days, don’t wait, seek housing advice and assistance at the earliest opportunity .
You can complete the Initial Assessment by accessing visiting www .harlow .gov . uk/housing-and-garages/ homelessness/help-if-youare-homeless and an officer will contact you to arrange a telephone interview .
The council wishes to help you and your family avoid becoming homeless and are often able to help people to stay in their homes .
If not, they may be able to assist you in finding alternative accommodation .
They will take all reasonable steps to prevent homelessness for anyone at risk .
The council has a dedicated Housing Options & Advice Team who can offer advice on:
Preventing homelessness under the Homelessness Reduction Act
Securing accommodation when homeless
The rights of people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and our duties
Any help that is available from the council or other agencies, for people who are homeless or who are threatened with homelessness, including how to access that help
Rough sleeping
If you are concerned that someone is rough sleeping please visit Street Link at www .streetlink .org .uk to get them help . The referral just takes a minute . You will be asked to provide the following information:
A specific location for the rough sleeping site – you can do this by using a map to pinpoint the exact location and then providing a written description of the location Details of the time that the rough sleeper has been seen at the location Any information about the rough sleeper that will help find them (gender, approximate age, what the person looks like, what they are wearing)
Alternatively, speak to a Harlow Council Customer Advisor by calling 01279 446655 . Information is used to help find the individual and connect them to support .
Tenant and leaseholder engagement
It is now more vital than ever that Harlow Council continues to keep tenants and leaseholders informed of issues that may affect them, spreading awareness through various channels like Facebook, email and Twitter . If you would like to speak to someone about how the council engages with tenants and leaseholders, please call Zulfi Kiani-Mackintosh on 01279 446330 .
Dealing with council housing repairs
During these difficult times HTS (Property and Environment) Ltd continue to carry out emergency, urgent and routine repairs, to council properties . There may, however, still be a backlog of works and it may take longer for your repairs to be completed . To report a repair call the HTS Repair Centre on 01279 446666 .
Harlow Council has recently launched an online portal for tenants and leaseholders that lets them access their accounts online . Once registered, the portal platform provides a safe, secure and flexible way to access your account online at a time that suits you . Some of the things you can do include:
View you rent account details or print off a copy of your statement
Request a change of payment method
View your tenancy details
Request Repairs to your property
View your service charges accounts
For more information and to view the MyHome portal, visit https://myhome .harlow .gov .uk or call 01279 446655 .
