Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project 

How We Began

The Shelter Housing Aid and Research Project (SHARP) was established in the early 1970s by a group of volunteers in Leicester who were deeply concerned about poor housing and homelessness and wanted to do something for local people who were suffering bad housing conditions. The aim of the new project was and still is: “to secure a decent home for every household at a price they can afford”. We believe that it is a basic human right for everyone to have a warm, safe, secure and affordable home.

SHARP’s volunteers began by offering free, confidential and independent advice and assistance to people in housing need. This is still at the heart of our work. We have been able to develop a wide range of additional services for people in housing need who live in Leicestershire, Rutland and Leicester City.

Our Services Today

Ø  specialist housing advice and advocacy on housing rights and options

Over the year 2012-13 SHARP advised over 635 households comprising more than 1000 people. They had a range of serious housing problems, including homelessness, eviction, housing benefit, relationship breakdown, domestic violence, harassment, disrepair and unsuitable housing.

Ø  a housing support service

this provides practical help and regular home visits to over 100 vulnerable people each year referred by Adult Social Care, the Probation Service and other agencies; the scheme helps people set up home (providing furniture where required) and supports them in learning to live independently. We have recently extended this service to provide intensive support to ‘entrenched’ rough sleepers making the journey from the streets to a home of their own.

Contacting SHARP

Ø  For housing advice:  drop-in at 13 Welford Road Mondays to Fridays between 10 am and 2 pm. SHARP Office Hours are 9am to 4pm.

Ø  For appointments call 0116-2546064 or email: info@leicestershelter.org.uk

Ø  Out of hours emergency:   Telephone Shelterline on 0808 800 4444 (free)

SHARP, The Independent Housing Advice Centre,

13 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 7AD.  Telephone:  0116-254-6064