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Guinness and housing charity Threshold have set up a helpline to support hospitality workers whose income has been affected by the Covid-19 crisis
It goes without saying these are tough times for everyone, no matter what your situation is.
For those who have lost their jobs and are now struggling to pay the rent or bills, it is a particularly difficult and stressful time. However, this is a time when people and companies reach out and try to do good for those in need.
One such company is Guinness who has partnered with housing charity Threshold to set up a dedicated freephone helpline to support workers in the hospitality sector who have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis.
The service is available from today and is being financed as part of the €1.5 million Guinness Fund that was announced last week.
For over 40 years, Threshold has been supporting renters and those at risk of losing their home. They are the only specialist charity in Ireland dealing exclusively with renting and providing information, advice and advocacy.
John-Mark McCafferty, the CEO of Threshold said of the partnership: “As the only charity in Ireland specialising in the Private Rented Sector, we advise and assist tenants across the range of issues, mediating and negotiating with landlords, ensuring renters get access to housing supports and protecting tenancies. During this difficult time, we know that people are very worried and anxious.
“Threshold is committed to help and advise people who have recently lost jobs or working hours, have lost income as a result and who are concerned about paying rent and holding on to their rented homes. Guinness’s support for Threshold’s work through the dedicated freephone helpline is much needed, hugely appreciated and is a great example of services and businesses working together to best help those most in need.
“As a charity, we are dependent on the generosity of others and in this regard, we are incredibly grateful for Guinness’s support. This means that we have the ability to advise and assist the growing number of people who rent and who are affected by the COVID-19 crisis.”
The helpline is available through a new freephone number, 1800 77 88 99 or via email on covid19@threshold.ie. The service will be available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, for a two month period.
Its main focus will be to provide swift advice to those whose income has been impacted as a result of COVID-19 and ensure they receive guidance regarding their tenancy, including negotiation with landlords, which is especially relevant in the context of rapidly changing social welfare entitlements and rental laws and policies.
For more information on the service click here.
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