Emmaus Suffolk supports people who have experienced homelessness. It provides them with meaningful work and support to help rebuild their lives. Despite the challenges of the coronavirus lockdown and a loss of income as its shops shut, the charity pushed forward with securing a lease for the property on Cromer Road at a reduced rate, made possible thanks to support from Flagship Group.
Aaron is the first tenant to move into the property. Having been street homeless in Ipswich he is now looking ahead to the future. He said: “I have met and worked with some amazing and supportive people since joining Emmaus. I am happy and positive about making a future for myself.”
Claire Staddon, Chief Executive of Emmaus Suffolk, said: “Our supported housing provides personalised support for tenants. We help them maintain this accommodation and prepare to move into independent accommodation where suitable.
“Additionally, the benefits to tenants include progressing towards work and developing life skills to break the cycle of homelessness. As a tenant you will have more than a roof, you will have a home.
“The accommodation also frees up temporary and emergency places for the rising number of rough sleepers across the county. It offers a long-term solution to some of the most vulnerable people in the area.
“Working with Flagship helped us deliver on our strategic objectives despite the challenges we are all facing.”
Besides helping secure the property, Flagship Group provided renovation work through RFT, it’s repairs and maintenance arm.
RFT donated £18k worth of improvements to the house to bring it up to standard. This includes a new kitchen, bathroom and shower room, and full decoration throughout. The property has new carpets, courtesy of Archway Carpets of Woodbridge.
Marie-Claire Delbrouque, Managing Director of RFT said: “Emmaus Suffolk is an incredible charity and one that we’re proud to work with. The house in Ipswich will allow them to help people in urgent need to get their lives back on track.
“This home will provide a lifeline for people and I am so pleased that we could be part of this fantastic project.”
Darrell Smith, Proprietor of Archway Carpets said: “We love supporting local charities that make such a great difference to our local community.”