Providing an Emergency Housing Solution for Catastrophe Response TeamsIntroduction
In this case study, we explore how we assisted a leading Housing Association in decanting tenants—a good practice guide during emergencies. When a recent disaster struck, the association deployed its Catastrophe Response (CAT) teams to support a large number of displaced tenants. They required an emergency housing solution that offered:
- 24/7 access to comfortable, long-term accommodations
- Flexible leasing terms and stay durations
- Convenient locations in the impacted areas
- Consolidated, centralized billing
Previously, team members negotiated leases without company authorization, leading to higher costs and financial risks.
Challenge
The Housing Association needed a comprehensive housing solution to reduce costs and streamline billing, allowing CAT teams to focus on tenant needs.
Solution
We provided furnished apartments through Jigsaw for extended stays over 30 days, offering several benefits:
Major Cost Savings
By consolidating disaster-related expenses and using furnished apartments instead of hotels, we reduced staff overtime on invoicing, eliminated short-term hotel taxes, and negotiated exceptional leasing terms for stays over 60 days.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Centralizing the temporary housing process improved efficiency by providing a single source for all housing needs. It streamlined team location tracking, eliminated unproductive lease negotiations, and allowed management to focus on critical tasks—key aspects outlined in our Decanting Tenants – A Good Practice Guide.
Enhanced Team Productivity
Our furnished apartments offered a comfortable, home-like environment with larger living spaces and full-size kitchens. This reduced the stress of being away from home, allowing employees to focus on assisting displaced tenants.
Better Access to Critical Information
Centralized event data enabled simplified and consolidated catastrophe reporting, enhancing expense management and service improvement.
Results
Our forward-thinking solution, including simplified invoicing and suitable accommodations, helped the Housing Association save significant time, money, and resources. They saved over £20,000 annually in taxes and reduced daily accommodation rates by approximately £12 per apartment.
Conclusion
To learn more about this case study or how Jigsaw can provide temporary housing solutions for your catastrophe response teams, please call UK 0845 0000 792
