The purchase of two new properties in Bridgwater means that we can provide shelter and a safe space to even more people who have become homeless.
We are very pleased to announce that we have recently been able to purchase, renovate, and begin using two new properties in Bridgwater. This project comes as a part of Arc’s partnership with the local authority and the council’s rough sleeper initiative which works to put an end to rough sleeping. This expansion reflects the growing demand for homelessness services across the district.
Both properties were in a good condition but did need some updating to be to the standard we like to provide for our clients, so our property team have been hard at work to get them up to scratch. However, due to the pandemic, sourcing building materials became very difficult, but as our Properties Manager Martin said, “where there is a will, there is a way!” Well done to the Properties team – Steve, Ed, Andy, and Billy - who worked amazingly hard to make this possible!
CCTV and fire alarm systems have been installed to improve safety for our clients, and all lighting has been changed to LEDs for energy efficiency. One property required more major work, including a new kitchen, three new bathrooms, conversion of one bedroom into two bedrooms, flooring repairs, and a boiler enclosure. At the back of one property there is a separate two-bedroom, self-contained flat which is not yet finished. We are hoping to make this suitable for clients with disabilities by installing a new wet room, door widening, and adding a ramp for access.
Where renovations have been completed, we have been able to move 6 clients into one property and are looking to move a further 7 into the other building in the next few weeks. Once the separate flat is finished, this provide another 2 bedspaces, so all round this has been an essential project for so many people!
We would also like to say a special thanks to Hinkley Point C, who chose Arc to benefit from their new ‘HPC Way Fund’. We were lucky enough to be the first charity to benefit from this, receiving an amazing £13,100 towards this new project!
Char, who is the support worker for these satellite properties, has said that the residents love their new accommodation as it allows them to feel safe, secure, and more positive about their futures – how lovely is that?!
This is why we do what we do, and why your support is so important, so thank you to every single one of you!