Bridge2Home

Bridge2Home is a Bond Guarantee Scheme. If a person is unable to raise their own Bond to be able to move into private rented accommodation, and is eligible for the scheme, we will enter into an agreement with the landlord to guarantee the Bond for up to a year, no money will change hands. The Bond Guarantee will be for one year. The landlord can make a claim against the Scheme up to the value of the Bond Guarantee. In return for guaranteeing the Bond we ask the tenant to save each month towards their own Bond, which will be theirs at the end of the year to give to the landlord as a cash Bond, or to move to another property.

Basic assistance will be given to the tenant to help them move into the property and tenants on the scheme will have their LHA payments sent directly to their landlord. Any shortfall of rent will be the responsibility of the tenant to pay directly to the landlord.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

To be accepted on to the scheme you should be:-

Homeless or under threat of homelessness
Have a local connection to the Darlington Borough and be a UK citizen
Be on benefits or on a low income
Be able to afford to sustain a tenancy on the property
Be able to live independently
Agree to and provide evidence of regular saving of the Bond over the12 month period

The scheme is open to single people, couples and families who meet the eligibility criteria following an initial referral from other agencies or in person.

Each person will be interviewed by the scheme’s project workers and each case will be assessed individually.

PLEASE HELP THE FINANCIALLY EXCLUDED TO HAVE A HOME BY BECOMING A PLEDGEHOLDER

How to Contact Us:

Telephone: 01325 366397

E-Mail – [email protected]

Come to one of our drop in sessions:

Tuesday 11.00am – 1.00pm

Darlington Borough Council

Customer Services

Town Hall

Darlington

DL1 5QT

Download service specific leaflets by clicking on the following links:

For those seeking a Bond: B2H_Leaflet_Tenant_May_15.doc

To offer support as a Pledge-holder: B2H_Leaflet_Pledge-Holder_May_15.doc

To become a B2H landlord: B2H_Leaflet_Landlord_May_15.doc

Latest

Darlington Academy Supports 700 Club

Pupils at Hummersknott Academy assembled to hand over a cheque for £1040 to the 700 Club in support of work in Darlington. The money was the product of fund-raising during the 18/19 academic year and will be used to provide emergency beds at the Lodge and to widen the opportunities of those who are living in hostel accommodation. Thank you Hummersknott.
Thank you Virgin Money

The Virgin Money Foundation provided funding in support of Bridge2Home. That funding has now come to an end and we are seeking continuity funding. It costs about £2000 a month to provide this valuable service - if you can help, please get in touch.
A Multi-agency Approach to Help Those Begging

Agencies came together today to launch 'Have a Heart Give Smart', an initiative that encourages the generous people of Darlington to give to the charities that support those begging rather than to the person on the street.
Help those who beg

Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg.

Help those who beg

Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg.
Bridge2Home Pledgeholder

Pledge up to £50 a year and open the door of a home for someone who, without your help, would be excluded from the stability and security that having one's own home provides.
Sponsor a room

We believe that no one should be left with no alternative but to sleep on the streets or on a friends sofa. To allow it diminishes not only those forced to do so but also those who know about it, but refuse to act. Together we can make a difference.
DIY

There are always jobs to do across our projects. Could you paint a room? Could you repair a piece of furniture, replace a lock or help with the garden? We need your help!
Where the need is greatest

Our work goes on day after day, but it's only through the generous donations of our supporters that this remains possible. With your help we can bring an end to the suffering that homelessness causes.

Who are we?
Bridge2Home

Bridge2Home opens the door to the privately rented sector for those who are financially excluded from this sector because they cannot afford the bond.
The Lodge

The Lodge offers a temporary 'home' for people who are in housing crisis. If you are already rough sleeping, or in danger of doing so, call us for advice or call in at the Council's Housing Department for a Key Point of Access assessment. You can also self-refer to the Lodge.
Supported Accommodation

The 700 Club provides 29 units of supported accommodation across its two hostels in Darlington. Clients stay for up to a year as the progress towards independence.
Work for us

Roles become vacant from time to time. Why not apply to become part of our team? The 700 Club actively promotes equality of opportunity and welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We select all candidates based on their skills, qualifications, and experience.
Emergency Food

Out of hours food is held by the 700 Club at its hostel St. George's Hall in Elmfield Street. The store is available for access on all evenings and during the weekend. Agencies may refer people with whom they may have some involvement, but clients can call at St. George's Hall without referral.
Our History
Overnight Bank Staff

700 Club require Overnight Bank Workers across the organisation, paid on a shift by shift basis. If you feel this would be something you could do, please make contact. Full training provided.
Early Intervention Outreach Project

The 700 Club Early Intervention Project is a jointly funded partnership between Darlington Borough Council and Durham Police. It is based on the belief that big and costly problems can be prevented if they are addressed when they are still small.
Sponsor a room

We believe that no one should be left with no alternative but to sleep on the streets or on a friends sofa. To allow it diminishes not only those forced to do so but also those who know about it, but refuse to act. Together we can make a difference.

Sponsor a room

We believe that no one should be left with no alternative but to sleep on the streets or on a friends sofa. To allow it diminishes not only those forced to do so but also those who know about it, but refuse to act. Together we can make a difference. Read more

Donate Fundraise

Bridge2Home Pledgeholder

Pledge up to £50 a year and open the door of a home for someone who, without your help, would be excluded from the stability and security that having one's own home provides. Read more

Our Achievements

The 700 Club have provided more than 350,000 bed-nights to those who would otherwise be forced to sleep rough, to sleep on a friend's floor, or to occupy some other kind of inappropriate accommodation. Read more

World Title for 700 Club Worker

Joanne Tonkin brought home both a silver and a gold medal after competing in the World kettlebell Championships 2018, Daugavpils, Latvia. Well done Joanne; we are proud of you. Read more

Help those who beg

Loose change feeds problems, it is not a solution. Help us bring support to those who beg. People beg for different reasons, but for all it is symptomatic of need. Help us to meet the person's needs so that they are not diminished by the need to beg. Read more

Donate Fundraise