Aim

To help people in Mid Devon get money advice sooner so debts stay manageable and fewer people face eviction or housing crisis.

Who are we, and what is our project about?

Churches Housing Action Team (CHAT) is a Mid Devon charity supporting people facing housing insecurity and financial hardship. For over 30 years we have helped local people prevent homelessness, access essentials and rebuild stability.

Our advice team works with people experiencing money worries, debt and benefit problems. Often people contact us when the situation already feels overwhelming. Arrears have built up, letters are unopened and they fear losing their home.

This project focuses on financial wellbeing. It will expand our debt and money advice support so more people can receive help earlier, understand their situation and take practical steps to regain control of their finances before problems escalate.

For us, this matters because we see every day how quickly small financial difficulties can turn into housing crises. With the right advice at the right time, that path can change.

Our service is delivered by a team of trained staff and volunteers working together. The team provide advice, guidance and follow up support.

Why do we need your help?

Many of the people we support are dealing with several smaller debts rather than one large one. Because they feel manageable individually, people delay asking for help until the pressure becomes unmanageable.

By the time they reach us they may be facing enforcement action, court proceedings or eviction. At this stage options are limited and stress is high.
This funding will allow us to increase advisor capacity so more people can access support sooner. We can review their finances, contact creditors, check benefit entitlement and agree realistic repayment options.

Earlier advice improves confidence, reduces anxiety and significantly lowers the risk of housing emergencies. It also reduces demand on crisis services.

Because our service is delivered by a combined staff and volunteer team, increasing advisor capacity strengthens the whole service and allows us to support more people earlier.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Funds will directly support delivery of our debt and money advice service.

The funding will contribute towards:

• Advisor staffing time for appointments and follow up work
• Financial assessments and budgeting support
• Liaising with creditors and negotiating repayment plans
• Benefit entitlement checks
• Case management and specialist advice resources

Every donation helps create more advice appointments and more opportunities to support people before their situation worsens.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made