Funding secured for homeless LGBT services
An advice service for homeless LGBT people in London will continue until at least 2012 thanks to new funding from the city’s borough councils.
Stonewall Housing offers expert advice to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people who are homeless or experiencing housing crisis.
The group estimates that 1,000 LGBT people will contact their helpline or visit one of their drop-in surgeries over the next twelve months.
Dr Marianna Tortell, Chair of Stonewall Housing’s Management Committee, said:
“This is a fantastic way to start 2008, our 25th anniversary year.
“LGBT people often do not contact advice services for fear of the homophobia or transphobia.
“They experience many of the same housing problems as others in London, such as accommodation that is too expensive, of a poor standard or overcrowded, but they also experience specific problems not experienced by others, for example, harassment or abuse from family members and neighbours which can be a direct cause of homelessness.”
Further new funding from the Tudor Trust means that Stonewall Housing can start a new service to help LGBT people in housing need access private rented housing.
Bob Green, the Chief Executive of Stonewall Housing, said:
“This exciting new project means that LGBT people can be directed to safe, secure and affordable private rented accommodation.”
“Funding from the Tudor Trust over the next two years means that we will be able to compile a list of all the best rent deposit schemes and the best landlords in London, so that LGBT people will have more housing options and not have to settle for dangerous, poor standard, very expensive private rented accommodation.”
Anyone who is homeless or has a housing problem and needs advice can call the advice line: 020 7359 5767.
