Team effort to house vulnerable families
A new Bath-based partnership will give vulnerable people easier access to a home. Developing Health & Independence (DHI), which helps people out of the cycle of homelessness, social isolation and drug or alcohol abuse, has teamed up with property management company Touchstone to help provide affordable accommodation for DHI clients.
Touchstone aims to help DHI refurbish three houses locally, providing vulnerable families with a roof over their heads and a place that they can call home.
The Covid-19 crisis has increased an already huge need for low-cost housing, so help from companies like Touchstone is invaluable.
Touchstone has also donated funds to provide mobile data packages to help isolated people connect remotely with the charity and family and friends, or look for work.
DHI says being able to connect online is invaluable for vulnerable and disadvantaged people, allowing them to access benefits and advice, and get one-to-one help and group support.
Covid is having the greatest impact on those living at the margins, like one of those who received help, Tom, after he lost his job.
He said: “This is amazing. I have been furloughed during lockdown, then lost my job as they weren’t keeping people on.
“Then I had a major operation on my knee and am quite housebound for the next six months.
“I want to use my time wisely, and there are online courses I can do, but didn’t have enough data credit on my phone each month.
“This sim data you bought me will enable me to do these courses.”
Rosie Phillips, chief executive of DHI, said: “Everyone at DHI is excited about working together with Touchstone to make a valuable difference to people affected by homelessness and substance misuse
“We are thrilled that Touchstone is helping so many disadvantaged people in these challenging times.
“Many of our services have now gone online, so being digitally connected has never been so important.”
Tristram King, director at Touchstone, said: “Being based in Bath, it was important for us to find a local charity with whom we could partner to help make a real difference.
“The work that DHI does to tackle homelessness and social exclusion is crucial and we are delighted that we can lend our support to such a fantastic cause.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Developing Health & Independence, helping to provide a new start for people in difficulty.”