December 22, 2023
|By christianlisseman
|
A development of three self-contained flats has been completed in West Leeds which will be used as move-on accommodation for young people who have either experienced homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
This is the first time that the charity Foundation, a registered social landlord which provides a range of support and services to help people move away from homelessness, has secured a grant from Homes England to develop accommodation.
The end terraced house which Foundation purchased was already divided up into three flats, but they were in urgent need of refurbishment and redevelopment. Working with contractors, STM360 Ltd, the flats now have new bathrooms and kitchens, have been completely redecorated, and have been insulated and ventilated to a high standard, ensuring they will be comfortable and warm places to live.
The kitchen of one of the flats before the work was completed
Now that the work is finished, the flats will be used to house young people from the Our Way Leeds (OWL) project which operates nearby. OWL is run by a consortium of providers including the charity GIPSIL, Foundation and Turning Lives Around. The service offers a range of support to vulnerable young people in Leeds, supporting them with, among other things, accommodation, employment and wellbeing.
As part of their tenancies, the young people living in the new accommodation will be able to access support from OWL quickly and easily whenever they need it.
“This is a wonderful new development and a great first for Foundation and Inspire North,” said Ruth Kettle, CEO of the Inspire North group, of which Foundation is a part. “We’re so proud to unveil these new flats and can’t wait for them to become homes for three young people who desperately need somewhere to call home. I hope this is the first step on the ladder for each of them to better, brighter futures.”