Helping hand for the homeless

People facing homelessness in Borehamwood have been given a welcome boost, thanks to a partnership between Hertsmere Borough Council and William Sutton Homes.

Some empty sheltered housing, previously designated to be allocated to those aged over 60 only, has been given to the council to use to house single homeless people.

The 26 units were part of the Windsor/Belhaven over 60s scheme in Gateshead Road and were empty because there was no demand from over 60s for such accommodation.
William Sutton Homes were unsure if they could de-designate part of a scheme and make it available for people of other ages, and whether they would lose the Supporting People Funding for the existing elderly tenants.

Thanks to the work led by the council’s Homeless Manager Kim Harwood it was agreed that the properties could be used by the council for local homeless people who were aged 40 or over and with no support needs, and that Supporting People would continue to support the existing tenants.

Cllr Hannah David, housing portfolio holder, explained: "William Sutton Homes agreed that as these properties were empty they would de-designate them and give them to the council’s homeless unit. This means that they are now being used to house local people who would otherwise not be able to access housing.

"As a council we work very hard to get homes back into use. Right across the country there is a need for homes and this area is no different so we are really pleased to be able to help people who are at their most need in this way."

These units are a mixture of bungalows and one-bedroom flats and despite them having been empty for two to four years, did not need major refurbishment. The properties were not being used as there was no demand for them from the over 60s.