From 5 Aug 2009 Haig Housing Trust (HHT) will be piloting an 8 bedroom scheme in Hackney, London which will provide secure, low cost, transitional accommodation for single Service leavers to help them find employment and establish themselves in civilian life. Project TASSLE is being piloted in two 4 bedroom flats in secure student type accommodation well placed for job seeking in London including at the Olympics site at Stratford. If the scheme proves to be well subscribed and viable, HHT will consider opening up similar schemes in other areas of good employment across the country.
For single Service leavers the transition to civilian life can be difficult. As they have lived in heavily subsidised accommodation during their service, the cost of accommodation outside the Forces often comes as a shock. Many cannot afford the cost of private rental, rent bond etc, whilst they look for employment. Without accommodation the chances of successfully obtaining employment are reduced, and many end up sleeping on friends’ sofas or floors. Project TASSLE will give successful applicants an address and firm base for up to a year whilst they seek employment.
Each resident will have their own en-suite bedroom and will share a communal kitchen/living room with 3 others. TASSLE accommodation will be strictly time limited, with a maximum stay of 12 months. It will be a condition of the license for those accepted onto the scheme that they actively seek employment; once they are settled in a job they will be expected to find other accommodation. HHT will assist residents’ job hunting by facilitating links with employment and training agencies such as RFEA, Civvy Street and Tomorrow’s People.
As HHT is not a support organisation the scheme is NOT suitable for the vulnerable, or for early Service leavers, for whom other schemes exist.
The rent for the London scheme is £120 per week inclusive of all utility, service and management charges.
Potential applicants to call Haig Housing Trust on 020 8685 5777.
