ABOUT US

Applicants do not need to have been served a Section 21 Eviction Notice, but must have good cause to need our help e.g. street homelessness, sofa-surfing, overcrowding or abusive/strained present circumstances.

Applicants should have been resident in the Lewes District for the last 6 months or have direct family connections here. Exception is made for those leaving HMP Lewes or the armed forces and victims of domestic violence. We will consider local applicants who wish to move elsewhere in East or West Sussex and Brighton & Hove

Our History

1991

The ecumenical CNHC (Churches National Housing Coalition) was formed nationally to address the sudden increase in visible homelessness.

In Lewes District a handful of people formed a local Action Group, chaired by the Revd Jim Cooper from Seaford. They became aware of the invisible homeless – people who needed help because they fell through the net of statutory provision: they didn’t qualify for help from the Council, had no savings and no home; they were often sofa surfing or sleeping in cars

1996

A Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme to offer rent in advance and damage deposits, given as guarantees to landlords, was established by Lewes District Churches Together with vital financial underpinning by the Mettyear Trust. A steering group was set up and …

1997

…HOMELINK was born, launched at the Sacred Heart Church in Newhaven.

1998

  • Charitable status was gained in February 1998
  • Our first Co-ordinator, Anna Dawney of St Anne’s, Lewes, was appointed
  • Administrative structures were set up by Ann Cross, assisted by Lewes District Council (LDC), to mirror the LDC scheme
  • House of Friendship in Lewes offered free use of their office
  • Further financial underpinning was provided by many local people
  • The first tenant moved in and, with ups and downs, after a slow start, HOMELINK has continued to help more and more people

2005

A Loan Scheme was set up to replace guarantees, mirroring the LDC scheme.

2009

HOMELINK extended the Loan Scheme to cover mentored ex-offenders on their release from Lewes Prison.

2010

As HOMELINK settled into equilibrium with income and loans the financial crisis struck and loan applications rocketed.

2019

Over 2,500 people have been helped into accommodation by HOMELINK; a part-time paid Client Manager and Assistant Client Manager are employed, with salaries funded by grants and a legacy from a kind donor. Everything else is done by volunteers, who interview applicants, raise funds, help in the office and manage the charity.

HOMELINK ends its 20th year with a sell-out Gala Concert at Glyndebourne Opera House.

2020 - 2021

HOMELINK’s service and fundraising models adapt to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Client Managers turn to interviewing applicants by phone and fundraising goes online.

2023

Demand for HOMELINK loans remains steady but clients find it increasingly difficult to find suitable properties due to the scarcity of properties available and high rents. Demand for small grants increases dramatically, which HOMELINK are able to respond to due to a generous grant from a local funder.