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Homelessness charity’s urgent call out for property in Bristol
St Mungo’s has launched an urgent appeal for buildings that could be used for vital services to support people away from homelessness.
Since the first lockdown in March 2020, 525 people have sought refuge away from the streets in emergency hotel accommodation and 225 of these have so far been helped to move into longer-term housing.
Charity bosses say they are now in desperate need of four buildings that they would lease and manage and use to provide key services and help more individuals on the path away from homelessness.
is needed now More than ever
They hope that in putting out a public appeal, the owners of empty commercial or residential properties – or even hotel and B&B owners seeking a secure income – will come forward.
David Ingerslev, Bristol regional head at St Mungo’s, said: “Our teams in Bristol have been working incredibly hard over the last year to support vulnerable people into much-needed accommodation, away from the streets and safely able to self-isolate.
“We are absolutely determined that this is the first step for people towards a safe and fulfilling life, and we are desperately looking for buildings that we can use to support people in their journey away from all kinds of homelessness.
“Also, if you know of a building that doesn’t exactly fit the criteria then please do still let us know about it – we are a creative team and could make temporary changes to the property if suitable.”
The charity is looking for buildings that have, or could be adapted to have, the following specifications:
1. Building with eight to ten self-contained bedrooms – ideally with en suites, or access to multiple bathrooms and shared space or office space. To lease for a period of three years.
2. Building with eight to 13 self-contained bedrooms – ideally with en suites, or access to a number of bathrooms, a shared kitchen, social space and offices. To lease for a period of three years.
3. Building with 20 to 30 self-contained bedrooms – ideally with en suites, or access to a number of bathrooms, shared space or office space. To lease for at least six months.
3. Building with 20 to 30 self-contained bedrooms – ideally with en suites, or access to a number of bathrooms. A shared kitchen, social space and offices. To lease for at least six months
St Mungo’s would ideally like buildings with shared spaces that could be used post-pandemic for projects such as the Recovery College, which provides a range of classes around employment, education and wellbeing.
It would also enable staff to support people to access job opportunities and to search for longer-term accommodation.
St Mungo’s would manage and care for the buildings throughout the lease period and have staff on site at all times.
Anyone who knows of suitable buildings is advised to email BristolPropertySearch@mungos.org.
Read more: Caring in Bristol seeks to open city’s only emergency youth shelter
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