The Lodge shortlisted for two UK Housing Awards
26 August 2011
An innovative B&B style accommodation project for longer term rough sleepers has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2011 UK Housing Awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing and Inside Housing magazine.
The Lodge, a joint partnership between St Mungo's and the City Of London, is a finalist in two categories: the Outstanding Achievement in Housing in England award and the Meeting the Needs of Older People award.
There were more than 250 entries for the awards. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 9 November.
The Lodge at St Ursula's provides a different model of accommodation for older people with a history of rough sleeping.
Around 33 of its guests over the last year have been people recognised in what's become known as the "205" group of longer term rough sleepers in the capital.
The Lodge guests have more independence over their lives than in a traditional hostel but support on hand from Lodge staff and outreach workers who actively help them with move on options. Funding came from the Homes and Communities Agency's £80m Places of Change programme, The City of London Corporation, The Santander Foundation and The Fresh Hope Trust.
John, an ex-service man in his 50s, spent over 20 years sleeping rough. He said: "This is the first time in my whole life on the street, or working with the homeless sector, that I have actually seen a hostel that has been designed specifically for people [like me] who live on the streets. I've taken to the place and I think that helps."
The Lodge has already received one Housing Excellence award this year and is also one of six projects shortlisted for London Council's Andy Ludlow Homelessness Awards, to be announced on 20 October.
Davina Lilley, Head of Housing Needs at the City of London Corporation, said: "The Lodge is a brilliant example of what can be achieved by joint partnership and it has been a pleasure to be involved. My thanks go to the team at the Lodge and the guests."
Mike McCall, St Mungo's Executive Director of Operations, said: "The Lodge is a truly groundbreaking project, offering a different opportunity for longer term rough sleepers to come off the streets and start to rebuild their lives. Our congratulations to all staff involved and all credit to those guests who've played their part in making it a success."
ENDS
Contact Fiona Milligan, City of London Corporation Press Office on 020 7332 3451, email fiona.milligan@cityoflondon.gov.uk, and Gemma Hollingshead, St Mungo's Press Office, on 020 8762 5570, email gemma.hollingshead@mungos.org
The City of London Corporation, which provides local government services for the Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain, works nationally and internationally to maintain and enhance the City as a world-leading international financial and business centre.
St Mungo's opens doors for homeless people. We provide emergency help and run over 100 projects that house and support homeless people's recovery and prevent rough sleeping. Read more about the Lodge and our work with Long Term Rough Sleepers - Innovation and Recovery
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