How ForHousing Uses Huggg for Timely Support

ForHousing is a housing association managing over 24,000 properties across the Northwest of England, supporting communities in Salford, Knowsley, Oldham, and Cheshire West & Chester. Their work extends beyond providing homes—they are committed to helping tenants navigate the financial challenges of the cost-of-living crisis.

Challenges Before Huggg

ForHousing recognised the growing need for support among tenants as energy costs soared. Initially, the team offered some cash payments to assist those in need. However, this approach came with challenges.

Jane Roberts, Energy Services Team Lead at ForHousing, explains: “Many of our tenants are on low incomes, and with the increase in energy costs, they were looking for fuel support. We provided limited help through cash payments, but it was proving problematic.”

Without a structured system in place, tenants often experienced delays in accessing support. Additionally, there was no clear way to monitor their requirements or eligibility.

Why Huggg?

ForHousing decided to implement Huggg’s voucher platform as an alternative to cash payments. The platform offered a secure, efficient way to deliver targeted support to those in need.

Jane shares: “The voucher solution allows us to provide non-cash support, and the system lets us monitor whether the voucher has been redeemed. That was a big plus for us.”

Key benefits for ForHousing included:

• Non-Cash Support: Vouchers allowed them to provide help securely, reducing risks associated with cash payments.
   
• Monitoring and Accountability: Huggg’s system offered clear visibility over voucher use and tenant eligibility.
   
• Flexibility: The ability to issue vouchers for fuel and food meant they could adapt to tenants’ varying needs.

Seamless Implementation

Getting started with Huggg was quick and straightforward for the ForHousing team. Before long, other teams also began leveraging Huggg for food vouchers, further expanding the support on offer.

“It was very easy to set up and use,” Jane says. “We can send vouchers quickly to tenants who have a mobile, or, if needed, we can post them or print them out for our officers to deliver.”

This flexibility has allowed ForHousing to ensure that support reaches tenants regardless of their circumstances.

Making a Real Difference

Since adopting Huggg, ForHousing has seen a positive impact both in terms of operational efficiency and tenant outcomes. Huggg has allowed the team to provide meaningful, timely support while easing the administrative burden on staff.

Jane explains: “The PayPoint fuel vouchers are easy to use and send over. Tenants receive them quickly, and the process is straightforward. It’s made a real difference. We’ve been able to support vulnerable tenants effectively.The system is easy to use and helps us ensure the help is going to those who need it most.”

Jane recommends Huggg’s voucher platform for other housing providers looking to support their communities effectively.  ForHousing’s partnership with Huggg aligns closely with their mission to support vulnerable tenants and foster stronger communities. The team is proud to have a solution that makes a meaningful difference to those facing hardship.