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15 December 2004 D21/2004
Breaking the cycle of homelessness for Brighton and Hove youths
A number of formerly homeless young people will be moving into a place of their own, thanks to a brand new scheme to be launched on Friday (17 December).
Downland Housing Association has been working with Hove YMCA to provide provide eight one-bed and one two bedroom flat for 10 single homeless young people who need a halfway house between hostel and independent living. The tenants will be moving in after the weekend and should be settled in in time for Christmas.
Hove YMCA manages two housing schemes where homeless young people receive one-to-one support from staff to help develop their skills and confidence. However the maximum stay at these hostels is up to nine months and some young people find the move to full independence at this stage too big a step to take.
The new development at Bedford Square in Brighton took nine months to complete and was designed and built by Downland on behalf of Hove YMCA. Grants were received from the Housing Corporation and the scheme was completed in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council.
Due to the Grade II Listed status of this 1830’s Regency building, the interior was kept to the same layout, with none of the internal walls being knocked down nor moved, and the windows were designed to reflect the original style of the period.
“This is part of Downland’s ongoing commitment to help meet the needs of the wider community where we develop and manage our houses,” said Downland’s Phil Griffiths.
“The new housing project at Bedford Square fulfils a need for ‘halfway house’ accommodation that enables young people to take a step towards independence, but with continued help and support available from housing staff.
“The new housing scheme will provide eight one-bedroom and one two-bedroom flats with shared bathrooms,” he added.
Young people who are accepted into the new scheme will have completed the Hove YMCA ‘Hostel Care Plan’ which means that they have achieved competence in basic living skills whilst living in supported accommodation.
Each resident will receive ongoing support with a particular emphasis on getting into employment and developing full independent living skills. Young people can stay for up to two years after which they can either apply to the local authority for housing or move into private rented accommodation.
“We aim to help young people who come through the project to take positive control over their lives and enable them to cope with the requirements and responsibilities of independent living,” adds David Standing of the Hove YMCA.