• February 08, 2017

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• By aissagallie

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As a homelessness charity, very often working around issues of housing, you could be lead to thinking that the practicalities of managing housing are simply about material things; bricks and mortar, painting and polishing. These two examples of work from across our organisation demonstrate clearly that even when it comes to ‘houses’, it’s always about people.

Jo, from our Scarborough team:

The Scarborough Resettlement and Community Safety (RACS) team have recently developed a new partnership with the Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC), which is proving to be very successful. When we have a empty (void) flat, we provide all the materials and arrange with the Community Payback Co-ordinator for a crew of their Service Users to decorate the flat. We have found that many of their Service Users already have the skills and others that don’t are able to learn new skills, so it is therefore beneficial to both them and us. We are hoping to roll it out for them to be able to decorate young peoples flats as they move on and the flat becomes available for another customer. These kinds of skills can help people into employment, which is a vital part of moving on in life.

Jayne, from our Harrogate team:

Nick was given a helping hand by myself and our customer, Charlotte, this week as he prepares to leave Belmont Hostel in Harrogate. He will be moving on to live independently within the local community.  Nick spoke of his appreciation and experiences whilst living at Belmont and would like to thank all staff for the support and services they have provided.  Nick was supported to clean his flat as he wanted to make it nice for the next customer moving in. This was then followed by a nice cup of Yorkshire Tea enjoyed by staff and customers, to wish Nick all the very best for the future ahead!

When customers move on from Foundation, we are always proud of their achievements. It is also just as vital to us that customers coming into our service, receive and warm welcome. When customers and others in the community place a part in this, it makes for a greater chance of success for everyone.