Projects

Supported Housing Project

LATCH's SHP started in November 1999, it's aim to support homeless people and volunteers from the local community in the redocoration and refurbishment of empty LATCH houses to become their homes. Working on a house three days a week can take anything from 1 weekto 3 months depending on the size and condition of the house or flat. We work with the prospective tenant on all aspects of the redecoration and moving in process from making decisions about how they want their home to look to doing all the practical work on site and then getting them moved in. We also take them shopping to choose any furnishings the house may need. We ask tenants to commit 16 days to the project which as well as getting the work done, gives us a chance to get to know eachother and helps build trusting relationships.

SHIFT Project (Self-Help Improvement Project for Tenants)

The overall aim of the project was to give LATCH tenant’s the opportunity to work with experienced staff and volunteers on their home to improve their living standards whilst learning some practical skills.

Objectives

• Provide on-site training and work experience for tenants and volunteers
• Provide a sense of ownership through involvement and choice
• Improve the quality of accommodation provided
• Improve energy efficiency by through making improvements to flooring, walls etc
• Facilitate basic skills and build confidence by making up flat pack units, shelf building and other home related skills

Throughout it’s lifespan of 3 years the SHIFT project undertook refurbishment work on 18 properties, i.e. 6 per year over 3 years. All of these units have now been completed. The work has involved both new and existing tenants in the refurbishment of their homes with the assistance of volunteers and trainees on work experience. The work has ranged from fitting new floor coverings, for example, lino and carpets, to plastering and doing complete kitchen re-fits.

Whilst working on the project one of our female volunteers found permanent employment with a local hostel for homeless families. Our trainees, mostly from school, have gone on to pursue careers in the trades at the local building college. The project has been particularly useful for school leavers as they have been able to gain a taste of what it is like to work as painters, decorators, plasterers and joiners. Because of this we are now in demand by local schools looking for placements for their students.

The installation of new kitchens and bathrooms has been particularly welcomed by our tenants who have gained skills and confidence whilst working on building flatpack cupboards, drawers, and other kitchen installations. Whilst working on bathrooms, participants have been able to apply their skills to basic tiling techniques as well as painting and decorating.