Darlington Bond Scheme

This project assists individuals and families who are homeless to seek privately rented accommodation by acting as guarantor for their bond.

“We offer people a first step on the ladder to independent living, because that first step really matters.”

Established in 1994, the Bond Scheme is a free service set up to help homeless people secure a tenancy and to act, where necessary, as guarantor for bond deposits. As many of the homeless using the service are young people (67% are under 19 years old), families on low income or benefits, or vulnerable young adults the scheme provides a vital resource to those who would generally have no other means of securing a fixed tenancy.

The organisation also provides new tenants and landlords with ongoing support during a tenancy – offering mediation if necessary, health and safety checks and ensuring that properties are maintained.

Darlington Bond Scheme has received over £5,500 in grants for general running costs, the purchase of a new computer and most recently to pilot young people’s advice sessions.

This money enabled the Bond Scheme to provide regular young people’s advice sessions which focus on homelessness prevention as well as providing young people with practical advice about how to access the services either they or their parents might need. Volunteers from the Bond Scheme can now go into schools to provide support for those children and young people who are at risk of becoming homeless or are separated from their families due to eviction.

This organisation helped house over 84 adults and children last year and thanks to our money they are now confident that they can sustain this much-needed project in the future.

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