DENS LIMITED
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Mission Statement
DENS - Supporting people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Most people know DENS as the homeless charity for people in Dacorum. In fact, DENS do so much more than just providing a roof and a bed. Our aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives. We ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to food and provisions. We provide a range of accommodation options to support people to move on and sustain their own tenancy and we provide advice and training; empowering people to develop skills and confidence to build a better future and be an active member of their community.
About This Cause
Our integrated services include: Day Centre – a day-time haven where people can drop in, have a hot shower, a hot meal some clean clothes, as well as some company. As they begin to trust us, we are able to offer 1-2-1 advice and support. Often people are then referred to The Elms The Elms - our 44-bed Hostel provides temporary and short-term accommodation (often 90 days) in small, but functional, bedrooms with a pod providing a shower and toilet. Residents are allocated a key worker who supports them with specific issues such as mental health, substance/alcohol misuse and relationship breakdown, as well as basic life and employment skills. Many residents improve their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills whilst at The Elms. Dogs can also be accommodated. Emergency overnight ‘crash pad’ accommodation can also be offered to people in Dacorum when we are unable to accommodate them immediately at The Elms. In the cold winter months, when the outside temperature is 1 degree or below, we provide a SWEP (severe weather emergency protocol) service, opening our doors to everyone, no matter whether they fit our usual criteria. Meeting rooms are turned into crash pads so that those who would otherwise be sleeping rough, have a hot meal and a warm bed for the night. Move On Service – this transition service is for residents ready to take the next step on from The Elms, however still require support around independent living. A key worker will support them weekly then fortnightly, for up to 18 months, in shared accommodation, helping them develop skills and confidence to live independently, manage a tenancy, learn to cook and find employment. DENS Dacorum Foodbank – run in partnership with The Trussell Trust, provides emergency food parcels and household provisions to people in need. Each month, we publish a ‘High Needs List’ detailing items that are specifically required. Open Space –a space open on Tuesdays and Thursdays where both our service users and other vulnerable or socially excluded people in Dacorum can socialise, be creative, develop their skills and seek advice. We are constantly developing our services including developing Social Enterprises such as The Elms Coffee Cart and a Bike Repair and Refurbishment project. These activities not only generate income to support our work but also develop employability skills and self-confidence in a supportive environment. How DENS have helped people in Dacorum last year - In 2018, we have: • Given 245 people emergency accommodation • Housed 35 people who were previously rough sleepers • Moved 91 people into independent living • Served 4,438 hot meals in our Day Centre • Fed 1,842 families, including 1,480 children through their foodbank • Distributed 52 Home Starter Packs • Organised 78 tenancy support sessions • Fed 11 dogs belong to their Service Users