A Lincolnshire charity which supports people experiencing homelessness is celebrating after being endorsed under the Dogs Trust Welcoming Dogs scheme.
Framework delivers housing, health, employment, support and care services to people with a diverse range of needs across South Holland.
It’s worked with The Dogs Trust on its dog friendly policies and resources. The aim is to stop people having to potentially choose between their dog or rehoming.
The Hope Project also provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the provision of an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends out dog goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners during the festive period.
Louise Hart, a service manager across some of Framework’s Lincolnshire services, said: “The Framework Lincolnshire staff are animal lovers and felt that if they were ever in a position to have to choose between a family member, as many people consider pets to be, and housing it would be a devastating choice to make.
“Framework recognises that looking after an animal is a life skill and a transferable skill. It shows dedication, responsibility and care. These are all skills that should be encouraged and supported.
“Allowing dogs into the service, for both staff and service users, has been extremely successful.
“It has helped to foster a friendly caring atmosphere and has often helped to disarm people’s preconceptions of a homeless service. It has supported the mental health and wellbeing of all, it is a conversation starter and a way to build rapport with people.”
Dogs Trust say 70 per cent of clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog and 84 per cent were aware of one or more cases where someone had refused an offer of temporary or emergency accommodation as it would have meant giving up their dog.
Just 51 per cent of the homelessness services that responded to the Dogs Trust survey said that their services were dog friendly.
Wendy Miller, pets and housing regional engagement coordinator at Dogs Trust said: “We don’t think anyone should have to choose between a bed or their faithful friend, and we work with many housing providers, to successfully offer dog-friendly accommodation.
“It has been brilliant working with our friends at Framework in Lincolnshire, supporting their services to become dog-friendly, ensuring dog owners in the area are able to access temporary accommodation when they need it most.”
