Six more modular homes installed to tackle homelessness in Cambridge
Six more modular homes have been installed to help tackle homelessness within Cambridge.
It comes after more than a year of collaboration between homelessness charity Jimmy’s, Cambridge City Council and housebuilder Hill Group.
The homes, in Abbey ward, have 25 square metres of floor space, with separate living and cooking, sleeping and bathroom areas, and give each occupant their own front door.
They provide an independent space for those who are seeking to rebuild their lives following a period of homelessness, alongside ongoing support from a team of staff with expertise in supporting people during this transitional period.
Cambridge is one of the first cities in the UK to explore modular homes to ease the homelessness crisis.
Other cities – including Bristol and London – have since replicated the model.
So far, 16 homes have been created through the partnership and Jimmy’s Cambridge and Cambridge City Council continue to look for opportunities to collaborate and innovate going forward.
Cllr Mike Todd-Jones, executive councillor for housing at Cambridge City Council, said: “The council has been proud to be part of this project by providing land for the modular homes.
“Hill’s generous donation of 16 SoloHaus homes to the city provides Jimmy’s with some top-quality housing and ensures that valuable transitional accommodation is available for people who urgently need it.
“Cambridge City Council remains committed to tackling the city’s housing crisis and supporting hardworking organisations like Jimmy’s who can make all the difference in helping people get their lives back on track.”
Mark Allan, chief executive at Jimmy’s Cambridge, added: “At Jimmy’s, we are always looking for new ways of working that allow us to provide vital opportunities to support those who are homeless.
“The modular home programme has showcased Cambridge’s visionary spirit, and will have a lasting impact on homelessness in the city.
“We are grateful to both Hill Group and Cambridge City Council for their generosity and support in this venture, and look forward to working with them further to help tackle homelessness across the city.”
Tom Hill, regional director at Hill, added: “We are delighted that our SoloHaus modular homes are making a real difference to homeless people being supported by Jimmy’s Cambridge.
“Mark Allan and his team are doing amazing work to provide a solution to homelessness and Hill is thrilled to be playing a part in helping to tackle the housing crisis in the city.”
The website streetlink.org allows members of the public to notify the council if they are concerned about someone sleeping rough, to help them get local support and access services they might need.
Read more
Six more modular homes for homeless installed to north of Cambridge
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