Welsh Shelter raises awareness of rights

The Welsh arm of the homelessness charity Shelter has launched a
major campaign to make people aware of their housing rights.

Shelter Cymru said the Take Up campaign was targeted at the
thousands of people in Wales who were not claiming the housing
benefits or the homes to which they might be entitled.

The 2001 Homeless Person’s Order, introduced last year by the Welsh
assembly, made several new groups of people eligible to claim
housing support. These include 16- and 17-year-olds, people fleeing
domestic violence, former prisoners, those who are homeless after
leaving the armed services and care leavers younger than 21.

“Many people have a very narrow definition of homelessness,” said
Shelter Cymru director John Puzey.

“More people are eligible for housing and benefits support than
ever before and we’re keen to raise awareness among those who have
housing needs but wouldn’t consider themselves homeless in the
traditional sense.”

The charity is also working alongside the Welsh assembly on the
forthcoming homelessness strategy for Wales.