A SOCIAL housing group has signed up as one of the first official End Furniture Poverty Supporters to address the link between poverty and housing.

The initiative brings together a broad coalition of organisations who share the aim of eradicating Furniture Poverty through raising awareness and application of practical solutions.

Coast & Country will be leading the way for more organisations to join the growing movement against Furniture Poverty – a crucial issue as the level of housing costs, supply and living conditions reach crisis level.

The Re:Furnish project, based in Saltburn, which is run by the social housing group, sells affordable, good quality, and second-hand furniture to help alleviate the problem.

Joanne Dunn, head of income management and employability at Coast & Country, said: “We recognise the disastrous consequences for those in furniture poverty. Not only does this affect their emotional and financial wellbeing but can also lead to tenancy failure.”

The shop, which is on Diamond Street, is open to the public.