Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 10:11 am
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership (LHP) has announced the launch of the LHP Hardship Fund, a new initiative to offer support to its customers who are facing financial hardship due to the current cost of living crisis.
The Fund offers various types of vouchers that can be used to purchase essential items such as food, household goods, fuel, and even furniture. It is available to all LHP customers who are facing financial hardship, regardless of whether they are new to LHP or have been with the organization for a long time.
To access the Fund, customers are asked to contact LHP’s Money Support Service and complete a welfare form outlining their support needs. An income and expenditure form is also required to prove financial hardship. Customers can request a maximum of £250 per household, and the amount provided will be determined based on their specific need.
LHP is also identifying new customers who may struggle with affordability and need assistance. A pre-tenancy financial assessment is conducted for all new customers, and if the assessment concludes that a household has £20 or less available income per week per person, they are potentially going to struggle to financially manage their tenancy. A referral is then made to the Money Support Service for assistance.
The LHP Hardship Fund has been supported by various charitable providers, including the British Heart Foundation and YMCA, who can provide basic furniture items to customers in need. In addition, LHP is also working with Wonde e-vouchers, who currently provide vouchers for fuel and food, to provide vouchers for Carpet Right, furniture items from Argos and white goods from Curry’s.
Wendy Walker, Head of Income and Enforcement at LHP, said: “At a time when many households are struggling to make ends meet due to rising living costs, the LHP Hardship Fund offers much-needed relief for those in need. By providing vouchers for essential items, LHP is helping its customers to maintain their independence and dignity during difficult times.”
LHP customers who are facing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the Money Support Service to access the LHP Hardship Fund. The Money Support Service can be contacted through various channels, including the LHP website, live chat, the myLHP App, telephone, email, and speaking to an Income Officer.
