Annual Report 2020 | 5
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1 . Darkhouse Lane
This new development , which is just off Darkhouse Lane in Coseley , provides 142 new affordable homes for rent . The properties are a combination of one and two bedroom apartments and two , three and four bedroom houses . The first residents began moving into Darkhouse Lane just in time for Christmas , and despite the lockdown and Covid-19 the development is now fully complete and all properties occupied .
2 . Mill Street
This year we completed a new development of 14 compact modular homes , designed and built specifically to house single people looking for independent accommodation . These homes have been carefully designed to have very low running costs and were each equipped with a washer / dryer , oven and hob and a fridge freezer .
3 . Together with tenants
May 2019 saw more than 100 Midlands housing tenants gather for a major consultation on the landlord-tenant relationship . The conference was part of a campaign run by the National Housing Federation , to build relationships between tenants and housing associations , and give residents a stronger role in scrutinising their landlord .
4 . Supporting tenants with financial skills advice
Covid-19 has certainly had a big impact on many of our customers , physically , emotionally and financially . Before Covid-19 , our Financial Skills team would usually deal with around 150 cases per quarter , but during the last two weeks in March we experienced a huge increase in the number of tenants requiring help and support – during the last quarter of 2019 / 20 our Financial Skills team provided help and advice to 419 households .
5 . Housing First
Accord is passionate about ending homelessness . Our Housing First team has been supporting rough sleepers from across the region , helping them to get off the streets and into safe , secure accommodation . The team is now working with local authorities in Sandwell , Solihull and Walsall , helping to find people a safe , secure home . The Housing First team also provides individuals with any additional support they need to help improve their overall health and wellbeing , for example creating links to mental health and substance misuse support services if required , and helping them to register with a GP .