New homes for Fox Street residents
During this turbulent time, we are working even harder to support the residents of our Fox Street Homeless Hostel. Due to Coronavirus and Government guidance, we have taken the decision to close the hostel temporarily and have found new homes for the 20 residents.
Supporting the homeless is a key part of our five-year plan and the management of Fox Street aligned well to that. The Coronavirus pandemic and Government guidance around social distancing has meant that long-term plans have had to alter slightly for now, with a decision made to temporarily close the hostel for the welfare of residents.
In what was a whirlwind few weeks, CGA staff pulled together to get sufficient houses ready and kitted out, so that we could start moving people in. For homeless men unused to living and managing their own homes, this is a significant and often challenging step and we do not underestimate the support that will be required to make it successful, particularly in the current circumstances.
Fiona Fisher, Head of Housing Services said:
“The CGA team have achieved amazing results over the last few weeks. They have pulled out all the stops to secure properties for 20 people. Fox Street has always been close to the community’s heart and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support. A big thank you must go to the British Heart Foundation, who opened its doors so we could buy all the furniture needed to fit out the properties.
“We are very mindful that this is a stressful time for everyone, especially for those without a safe place to stay. Our dedicated Fox Street team will continue as always to provide ongoing support and assistance to the Fox Street residents in their new homes and we will continue to keep the community updated.”
Brett has lived at the Fox Street hostel for just over a year and has been working with the team to broaden his living skills, moving to live independently is a challenge but one that Brett is more than up for, he said:
“This is my chance and I’m going to make a really good job of it, I’ve got a place of my own and it’s going to be grand, I can’t believe it to be honest, everyone has been so helpful sorting me out I’m over the moon.”
With the difficult circumstances proving challenging for many, not just the homeless, we have looked to provide more and more in the way of support. Our Coronavirus Support Hub offers help at the end of the phone or online during the current crisis, so if you are a CGA customer and feel you might benefit from the Support Hub, please contact the team on 0800 953 0213 or visit www.communitygateway.co.uk/coronavirus.