Housing for women's aid

[knittinganonymous]

Does anyone know if women's aid provide housing (other than refuges) for their clients? I have a house I would love to provide it to a woman in need. I have seen too many threads on here where a woman can't leave an abusive partner because she has nowhere to go :( I realise I may well be being naive re how women's aid works and the privacy required for abused women, but I wondered if anyone might know how it works

I've no idea how it works but it sounds generous. If you gave one of the charities a call I'm sure they'd give you some pointers. Are you thinking of a straight donation or retaining ownership?

Ahem, unfortunately I wasn't exactly planning on donating it Cogito ... Yes, was planning on me still owning it...!

I think they are always looking for properties for women to move out into after staying in the hostels - which would free up a room for another family in need.

That's what I thought Bertie, but I figured if I rang them and asked them if they're looking for properties, I might sound like some dodgy landlord trying to make a fast buck :( So I wondered if anyone knows how their system works

Never heard if this kind of thing. When I was in a WA hostel they liked us to move away from our home town if poss, as ex abysses knew our habits/routine..... Big part of the WA service us to offer protection via alarms/trained staff etc. Not sure that could be replicated in a private let.

*abuser

I do know from my time in refuge that they have a list of reputable housing associations but they also help service users to scour papers, will take them to view properties etc, so I think if you were to contact your local refuge and let them know you have a property that you would like to rent out to a woman in need they would be delighted.

One of the major hurdles service users come across when trying to secure a home is the fact that the majority of landlords won't accept people on benefits so if you had no problem with that it would be a major plus. A secure tenancy without threat of the landlord selling up after a few months is also a bonus for a service user, being able to put down roots and start afresh is priceless to survivor of an abusive relationship.

It's a lovely thing you are planning

Yes it's lovely!

Does your mortgage insurance cover housing benefit ?

I don't know about womens aid but I left an abusive situation and was provided temporary accommodation by the council. The house was owned by a private owner who loaned the property to the council for homeless people. It was a godsend for me and I really appreciate him doing that.

The only downfall was that it was temporary and twice local rent price as I had to pay the council and owner.

Hopefully womens aid do this too but on a cheaper/longer term level. Give them a call, it will be appreciated, x

It depends on the level of abuse Olympia, not all cases require the panic alarms etc.

Also, Women's Aid also have safe houses where a whole family can go. If a woman has sons of s certain age they are not permitted into refuge so the safe house allows a family to stay together. You could perhaps allow your house to be used for that reason.

I have no practical advice but just wanted to say that I think it is a lovely idea, OP.

Thanks all, I thought they would be a bit suspicious if I contacted them with the suggestion, but no harm in giving it a go I guess, they can only say no!