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The Vicar’s Relief Fund: You said, we did.

The Vicar’s Relief Fund: You said, we did.

The Vicar’s Relief Fund: You said, we did.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

In February we asked for your views on the VRF. We wanted to know how our users find our processes, from registration to the grant application and evidence submission. This blog, written by one of our VRF Coordinators Amy, is a summary of what you said and how we have acted on it.

Background

Our Vicar’s Relief Fund (VRF) helps people at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness across the 4 Nations of the UK. Via frontline workers, we provide crisis grants to prevent eviction or help access accommodation.

Me and the rest of the VRF team (Barbara, Nick, and Abi), between us, processed 5,358 grant applications last year. On average, we saw around 50% of these applications twice before we could reach a decision. We also know from our colleagues at the Frontline Network, that frontline staff are working in increasingly challenging conditions, with continued funding shortages and high caseloads, and there’s a real shared commitment amongst the team that the VRF evolves with that in mind.

That’s why we wanted to hear from the frontline workers applying to the VRF first-hand. We are constantly reflecting on what we do and how we do it, and there are always ideas brewing amongst the team, but it’s important to know are discussions aren’t steeped in assumptions.

Key findings

You said: We did:
Our opening hours are a barrier. Extend our opening hours. We are now open Monday-Friday 9am-12pm for grant application submissions.
The free-text boxes on our forms were difficult to view and complete. Make all free-text boxes on our forms bigger, so it’s easier to see what has been written.
The overall process from the point of registering for an account with us and filling out the grant application form is complex and time consuming. Create new registration and grant application forms, with more clear and concise questions.
Obtaining evidence is not always easy and it is not always clear what you need to provide. Begin to create a new help page, with instructions for all stages of our process. We also added additional information into the application form to make it clear what supporting evidence is required for the grant you are applying for.

 

Positive feedback

Looking through the responses, I instantly noticed the overwhelming number of positive comments. It is reassuring that some things we are doing well, and I am grateful for the reminder that our grants are making a difference to frontline workers as well as those you are supporting.

“I think the fund is brilliant and the amount of people you help is astronomical. I personally don't know what we would do without you.”

“They're quick to get back to us with a decision which is what is really needed when working in the homelessness sector.”

“The VRF have been extremely helpful, useful and resourceful in times of need for people when they have not been able to access funds from anywhere locally.”

Looking forwards

As we let the dust settle and tidy up some inevitable loose ends, my initial feeling is that the new forms and guidance have had a positive impact, and that ultimately, this means people in vulnerable housing are receiving grants even quicker than before. We are excited to now do some internal reflecting, continue to put plans in place for what is next for the VRF, and to continue building our relationship with our users along this journey.

And if you use the VRF, make sure you’re also taking advantage of the other support we provide through our Frontline Network. This includes our Training Fund and events to connect with other frontline staff supporting people experiencing homelessness – including our upcoming UK-wide conference (free and online). Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter to hear about upcoming opportunities.

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