As part of this, we are supporting the Home for Good appeal to provide the necessities our new tenants will need furnish their properties - and turn a house into a home.
When lockdown began back in March, people sleeping rough or staying in night shelters in Liverpool were offered accommodation in hotels to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many took this opportunity to improve their physical and mental health, address addictions and start planning for the future.
With the letting of council and housing association homes also at a standstill, Plus Dane was among the social landlords inspired to offer our vacant properties to those desperately in need of a permanent home. Together, we have already helped hundreds of people.
By mid-August, 159 people who had previously been homeless had been housed, with 200 more people in the process of moving in. More than 400 others have been identified as needing a home, including individuals whose current living arrangements are not safe due to domestic abuse - and these numbers keep rising.
Our director for housing, Cathy Biggs said: “Housing association properties are generally unfurnished. The Home for Good campaign, in partnership with YMCA, Whitechapel Centre and Crisis, is now fundraising to buy the basics that everyone needs to turn a house in to their home. We want to be able to provide some furniture, kitchen equipment and bedding to help people settle into their new life. We know that the last few months have been really difficult for a lot of people, but we’re asking anyone who can to donate what they can afford to this fantastic campaign and help us turn the tide on homelessness in Liverpool.”
The appeal is looking to provide each home with furniture packs including a bed and bedding, wardrobe and bedside table, a sofa, table and chairs, kettle, toaster, crockery and cutlery, cooker and fridge freezer. Anyone can donate via the Homes for Good JustGiving page.
Like many of the organisations involved, we have made a donation to the campaign and hope groups and individuals will help us do what we can to end homelessness in the region.
