Hartlepool housing support charity Precision Acres faces rise in demand
A charity providing housing support in Hartlepool has been facing a rise in demand in recent months.
Precision Acres provides accommodation for people facing homelessness, housing insecurities, domestic abuse and other circumstances where additional support may be needed across Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Durham.
The charity was set up two years ago by Open Jar Tribute Festival organiser Joe Franks and deputy leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, Councillor Mike Young, and has recently been gaining a lot of traction.
Joe said: "At first we were helping a few people here and there but over the last few months, we have unfortunately been seeing a lot of referrals coming in.”
Precision Acres works with local authorities and partner agencies to help people access safe and suitable housing, with each case considered on an individual basis.
The registered charity has a team of ten people who work across the region, supporting those facing homelessness.
Speaking about its foundation, Joe said: “We noticed some of our former colleagues experiencing homelessness who had unfortunately fell on hard times, and because they did not tick the correct boxes, they had nowhere to go
"That’s when me and Mike Young put our heads together and thought, how can we help people.”
Precision Acres has an “amazing” on-the-ground care team who work around the clock to support people across the North East.
Joe said: “It’s more than just finding accommodation for people, it’s helping rebuild lives.
"It’s not just putting a roof over someone’s head.”
He continued: “A lot of people fall on hard times for no reason. There are so many reasons why it could have happened.
"Some lose family members or fall on financial hardships. Sometimes it is as genuine as that.”
Mike added: “As someone who is in the public sector, I saw an ongoing issue with the housing crisis and I wanted to find a solution.
"We have a brilliant team of people who push to provide the best support they can.
"Sometimes people have complex needs and so we require a skilled team of people to help them.”
For more information about Precision Acres or to access support, call 01429 728041 or email [email protected].
Hartlepool residents can also access counselling and support from the charity’s partner group, LilyAnne’s Wellbeing.