How do people in temporary accommodation afford their rent when they start working? The average London rent in temporary housing is £450 per week but a person who has a secure tenancy in social housing could be paying around £130 per week for a two-bed flat. 

This places an extra burden on people in temporary accommodation in terms of their employability.  They could be waiting for many years in temporary accommodation, feeling their lives are ‘on hold’ and that they are unable to work or train.  Training often has to be paid for, another burden, for example, on a lone parent or a man who has experienced mental health difficulties, both of whom wants a qualification but cannot finance the fees.
 
HELP can propose ways to overcome the obstacles.  Project Manager Judith McKee says, “Our Beneficiary Fund is crucial as it enables people to have choice about what they want to do.  This might be the first opportunity that a client has had, to have someone tell them that they can achieve what they want.  The fund can pay for a training course and help in other ways.”
 
HELP clients who find employment can be eligible to receive their full rent for the first six months.  And for the next six months, they could get £50 plus their individual allocation of Housing Benefit. 
 
The perils of setting up a bank account, organising the rent and covering all the household bills is a major step from the relative security of benefits where the basics, at least, are covered. 
 
“It’s not surprising that people can feel very nervous about taking the first step into work.  This scheme gives them security and confidence about moving into employment,” says Judith.  “We believe in sustainable employment – that’s how people stay in their job and secure new opportunities for their future.”