Housing Executive work continues in Causeway Coast & Glens during Covid-19

Despite unprecedented disruption as a result of the Covid-19 situation, the Housing Executive has moved to reassure tenants that work is continuingin Causeway Coast & Glens.

Area Manager Mark Alexander insists that while the organisation has had to change how it operates at this time, significant work is happening on the

ground to keep tenants secure and protected.

Mark said: “Our whole focus at this time is keeping tenants safe in their homes – guidance on social distancing and the message of ‘Stay Home Stay Safe’ is

paramount.

“We’ve published guidance on our website www.nihe.gov.uk which deals with key topics like repairs and what to do if you are experiencing homelessness. Also we moved quickly to reassure tenants that no one would lose their home due to Covid-19 – enforcement action has ceased and we will deal sympathetically with anyone who is experiencing financial difficulties during this period.

“We had planned a modest rent increase from April; this has now been deferred, and we are signposting people who need financial help to organisations that can provide this.

“One of the most popular actions we have taken is to implement a service for elderly and vulnerable tenants. They now receive a regular phone call to see

how they are coping.

“Because of our network of 20 patch managers in the Causeway Coast and Glens areas, we are very well placed to continue to connect these tenants with the outside world. Staff have been regularly ringing tenants to offer support and reassure them that we are on hand to assist in whatever way we can.

“We can link them to local action groups providing food and basic hygiene items on the ground, we’ll help arrange pharmacy pick-ups and, in many cases, we will simply provide a friendly voice and a listening ear at this time to reduce any sense of social isolation.

“A particular concern has been around payment of rent costs and we have been working hard to assist tenants in making applications for financial support as well as reassuring them that we will help them to sustain their tenancies.

“Throughout the current Covid-19 situation, we have also been continuing to carry out any repairs of an emergency nature to ensure that our tenants stay

safe in their homes. Tenants should be aware that it may also be necessary to call out to property, for example, if there is a statutory heating or electrical test due – we must do these by law – in order to keep everyone safe.

“We have also been engaging positively with our many community groups right across Causeway Coast & Glens, and we are currently in the final stages

of preparing a Covid Assistance Grants scheme that will financially support over 30 of our local community groups that have been doing tremendous work

on the ground.

“Local housing staff have also been helping people who are, or may become, homeless during this pandemic. If you or someone you know needs help with

emergency housing please call our dedicated Homelessness line, 03448 920908. Your call will be directed to staff near you who can provide advice

and assistance.”

Further information is available at www.nihe.gov.uk and on social media.

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