'It feels like the Ritz!' First homeless people move into former student accommodation in Shrewsbury
The first tenants have moved into former student accommodation in Shrewsbury which is now being used to house homeless people.
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Shropshire Council said the development marks a "significant step" in its commitment to providing better housing solutions for homeless people in the county.
The authority's Conservative administration revealed proposals for part of the Tannery building on Barker Street to house up to 61 homeless people in July.
The council's cabinet gave the green light to plans to make use of the Tannery East building as "temporary" supported housing for homeless people - for a period of three years.
So far, 10 single, homeless people have moved from what Shropshire Council described as "costly" B&B accommodations to "much-improved" living spaces at The Tannery.
The accommodation boasts self-contained bathroom facilities and shared kitchens.
The move is part of a phased programme aimed at relocating 60 residents from B&B accommodations in the next few weeks.
New residents at the building are also benefitting from having access to onsite housing support workers alongside employment specialists from the council’s Enable Supported Employment Services to help them gain access to employment.
The facility is managed by staff around the clock, aiming to ensure that residents feel safe and secure at all times.
Tenants have been provided the ability to prepare and cook their own food in order to give them a "sense of independence and wellbeing".
Additionally, The Tannery includes adapted properties for disabled individuals and is preparing to welcome homeless residents who require level access facilities.
Councillor Dean Carroll, cabinet member for housing and assets, said: "Shropshire Council remains committed to improving the lives of those in need and will continue to work tirelessly to support our community’s most vulnerable members.
"This milestone is a great opportunity for the council and for those we have a duty to help. It will allow us to offer high-quality temporary accommodation and support for single homeless people, while also saving money for the council and making the best use of a council asset. We appreciate that residents and businesses may have questions about how the proposal will work in practice.
"Our dedicated and fully trained staff are now eager to provide comprehensive housing support to all residents.
"We will continue to work with the local community and partners to address any queries they may have about the Tannery and other temporary accommodation projects."
One of the new residents at the Tannery, Patrick, said: "When I first went into temporary accommodation I just sat on the bed and cried, it was horrible. Since moving here it feels like the Ritz especially with all the support I get and the good feeling about the place."
Shropshire Council’s Housing Support coordinator Gemma Jones was also delighted to see the first tenants move in.
She said: "I’m really delighted that everything is going really well. It’s good to see the reassurance in people’s faces when they walk into their bedrooms and kitchen areas, knowing they have a space to sleep and cook for themselves and everyone has commented on how safe they feel with staff being available 24 hours a day.
"We have already identified care support needs for one unwell individual which was not identified until move in and thankfully within 24 hrs, we have been able to link in with the adult social care team, where they have come out and assessed the individual and arranged a Care Support Package. Getting this result within 24 hours is extraordinary and really impressive."
