FAQs

Do I have to have association with a Catholic Church to receive help from CHAS?

Absolutely not; we are here to help everyone.

Why have you turned down my furniture donation?  

We appreciate every offer of help that we receive, though unfortunately we cannot accept furniture and household goods which do not have the correct health and safety labels. However good quality they are it is illegal for us to sell them on.

 Do you collect furniture donations in the evenings or weekends?

We do not collect furniture donations at weekends, however we do have a team of volunteers who will collect during the evening. They usually operate on a wednesday night. If you require an evening collection please contact our Furniture Service so they may book you an appointment.

My washing machine is broken; is it still any good to you?

YES - absolutely. We have trained electricians who can repair items so they can be resold.

Last year CHAS gave my friend a whole lot of furniture for £100;  I've been told I have to buy items individually from the shop - why is this?

CHAS was set up by local people to help other local people who were struggling to find, keep or furnish their own home. Up until July 2007, we offered families a pack for £100 and single people paid £60 for a smaller pack. The packs included a suite or sofa, beds, and table and chairs. Unfortunately it cost CHAS more than £350 to produce each pack. CHAS reluctantly stopped the packs last year as we could no longer afford to produce them. Between July and November last year Bradford South and Bradford West Area Committees sponsored some packs for people living in their area... the clients paid their part and the Ward Committees funded the difference.  We have asked the Co-operative Foundation if they are willing to sponsor packs across Bradford and Calderdale; we will advertise the scheme again if our application is successful.

Do I have to pay for the advice I receive?

No, all our advice and support services are free. Housing advice is available to anyone in housing need and includes both mortgage and rent problems. The Money Advice scheme is currently available for tenants of Incommunities only, however we are always on the look out for funding to expand so hopefully we can extend the service to all.

 Can CHAS give me a loan or a grant to help me ?

We can offer you help in finding available grants, and can make applications on your behalf, but we do not give our financial assistance.

Do I have to come to City House on Cheapside for an appointment?

Some of our services offer appointments out in the community including the Money Advice service and Health Plus; and the support service takes place in the client's home. At the moment Housing Advice is only given at City House, however we have applied for funding to run sessions in the community.  If you are unable to come into the office due to physical health reasons, we can arrange for the Advisor to visit you at home.

I have received a court date for a Possession Hearing, what can CHAS do to help me?

If you are an existing client you need to contact your Advisor immediately.

If your court date is more than a day away, contact CHAS on 01274 726790 for advice.

If your court date is for tomorrow, an Advisor will be available at the court. When you arrive at the court, please ask the Usher to introduce you to our Advisor.