Louth and District Help for Homeless (or LDHH for short) is a charity aiming to help people in the Louth area of Lincolnshire on the way towards proper and adequate housing. Those who qualify for help might be homeless; roofless (sleeping on a friend’s floor), or otherwise in urgent need of somewhere suitable to live. For those threatened with eviction, we have also been able to help.

As well as help towards housing, we have schemes to help with short-term food needs; cookers:, and grants towards basic furniture.

Small beginnings

LDHH was set up in 1992, following requests for help to a number of clergy in the area from homeless people who were unable to afford rented accommodation. This was not because the rents as such were beyond their reach - even though difficult to manage. The main problem was that landlords, or landlords' agents, were asking for a rent amount in advance, normally for a month, and also for a deposit to be held in case of damage to the property, and an agreement fee. Effectively this meant finding about three months rent in one go, virtually impossible for someone on a low income or benefit support and with no significant savings.

Wider concerns

While still working in close co-operation with agencies like the Citizens' Advice Bureau and the local (ELDC) Housing Service, we also offer direct support to those in the process of moving (always a stressful time even if you have sufficient funds!) by loans or grants for furniture, and cooking equipment. A Community Larder scheme has been set up; and vouchers enabling clients to get emergency supplies of fresh food are available. The existing scheme remains in place, with special provisions for the elderly or disabled. The charity remains alert to respond to new needs, should they arise in the area. For more details of the various activities; how to get help if you need it; or how to support the work, please click on one of the buttons below to see our other pages.

An economic solution

With very limited funds, and also with the feeling that those in difficulty were really honest and willing to work hard to repay any money owed, the idea arose to make interest-free loans to cover the amount needed for a deposit.

In order to replenish the funds, the clients would be asked to pay back the amount loaned in small, easily affordable instalments - in those days sometimes as little as five pounds a month. Remember also that some amounts of up to £600 were loaned. This basic scheme continues, but amounts loaned have gradually increased as rents and deposits have increased.

• A SUMMARY OF HELP AVAILABLE
• a rent deposit loan scheme
• a young homeless grant scheme
• similar schemes for the elderly or disabled
• the "Community Larder" to provide emergency food or essential household materials for those who may be without funds and moving into temporary accommodation.
• Vouchers for fresh food supplies
• cooking equipment (microwaves, or "mini" kitchen cookers) can be given to those in need.

In the years since the start of this scheme, the pattern of need has gradually changed. A general shortage of rentable accommodation, particularly for single younger people, and a continual rise in the cost of renting, has led to several additions to the service offered.

A typical small town cottage to let in Louth

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LDHH is most grateful to all the other groups and organisations who have supported in any way. To see a list click here.