LandAid is funding two modular housing projects to provide eight new homes for young people at risk of homelessness in the South West.
The property industry charity has awarded £120,000 in grant funding to the projects, which will be run by local homelessness charities 1625 Independent People, United Communities and Somerset Care Repair.
In Bristol, a LandAid grant of £60,000 will enable 1625 Independent People (1625ip) to contribute funding to create five one-bed modular housing units from refitted shipping containers.
The five LandAid-funded homes will be for young people moving on from supported housing who are ready for work and independent living, but are unable to afford private rented accommodation in the local area.
In Somerset, a separate £60,000 grant to Somerset Care and Repair for its Build2Live scheme will create three one-bed homes for young people moving on from fully supported hostels.
Modular construction
The new homes will be built using timber frame modular construction and energy-saving technology to provide the most energy-efficient accommodation possible. The charity is also working with probation services to identify young ex-offenders who could work on the Build2Live project to gain construction skills.
The Bristol project will be for young people moving on from supported housing that will be housed alongside Bristol University students. They will be supported to develop and use their shared skills to self-manage the scheme together.
It is being developed through a partnership between 1625ip, United Communities, which will provide funding, Bristol University’s Student Union and Bristol City Council.
Paul Morrish, chief executive of LandAid, says: “At LandAid, we want to harness the energy, enthusiasm and innovation of the construction industry to transform the lives of vulnerable young people.
“We strongly believe the homes will help young homeless people, and those at risk of homelessness, to move on and lead successful, independent lives.”
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