HOUSING charity Shelter is calling for urgent support of its Merseyside service as new analysis reveals 19 households in the area are at risk of losing their home every day.
Latest figures from the government show that, in the last 12 months, 6,858 homes were put at risk of eviction or repossession in Merseyside, up 4 percent in a year.
It points to sky high housing costs stretcning finances to bursting point, saying ust one thing, such as an illness or job loss, can be all it takes to tip a family into a spiral towards homelessness.
Shelter claims its Merseyside service already helps 600 families every year. Now it is launching an appeal is aiming to raise up to £35,000 to continue its work in helping householders
As well as helping families at risk of homelessness, Shelter’s Merseyside Service has free expert housing advice available for local people in the area with a housing issue. Anyone with a housing problem - from high housing costs to bad conditions - can get help by meeting with specialist housing or debt advisers, legal advisers or by using the free computers to access online advice.
Andy Griffiths, team leader at Shelter’s Merseyside Service, said: “For many people – from a family being evicted by their landlord, to a parent struggling to pay the mortgage after a job loss – we are the only people they can turn to for help. Expert support and advice early on can make the difference between a family losing their home and keeping it.
“That’s why we’re looking for people in Merseyside to help us give more local families the lifeline they need to keep their homes.”
Anyone who is in need of housing advice should call Shelter’s Merseyside Service on 0344 515 1900 or drop in to 3rd Floor Colonial Chambers, 3 – 11 Temple Street, Liverpool.
To donate to Shelter’s Merseyside Service visit projects.shelter.org.uk
