Erimus Housing and Council become homelessness champions

MIDDLESBROUGH’S largest housing association and Middlesbrough Council are celebrating becoming special champions after cutting homeless figures by half.

Erimus and the council have been named homelessness champions of the North-East after reducing homelessness cases in Middlesbrough by 61% during the last year. Erimus delivers the frontline homeless service for Middlesbrough Council.

They are among 12 regional champions - 11 councils and one other housing association - nationwide.

The award means Erimus and council staff will share information and spread good practice on tackling homelessness.

Bob Brady, Chair of the Board for Erimus Housing, said: “We are thrilled to have been named the regional champion and the success of the service is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our homeless team in reducing homelessness in the town.

“We will ensure we share good practice and help other organisations in the fight to tackle homelessness across the country.”

Erimus Housing has run the homeless service on behalf of Middlesbrough Council since November 2004, when it took over ownership of all the local authority’s former housing stock.

The team now uses a range of innovative ways to deal with homelessness, including employing a home visitor and a landlord pack to give advice.

The frontline team has also been extended to actively deal with prevention and officers work in close conjunction with other agencies to identify support needs and provide floating support.

Councillor David Budd, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “This is one of many ways in which the partnership between Erimus and the council is improving the quality of life in Middlesbrough.”