Minister opens state-of-the-art homeless facility
United Welsh, one of Wales’ leading housing associations, is celebrating the
completion of a brand new state-of -the-art hostel for the homeless, which
will provide temporary accommodation for up to twenty residents at any one
time.
Officially opened by Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Edwina Hart, the £1.6 million project – supported by £842,000 Welsh Assembly Government funding - is a much needed modern replacement for the former Cardiff Housing Link hostel in Tresillian Terrace and the first residents are set to move in before the end of the week.
Situated on Newport Road, Oak House will provide a safe and secure drug and alcohol free environment within which residents will get the support they need from fully trained staff, in order to help them take steps towards independent living.
Each bedroom boasts its own en-suite bathroom and male and female residents will be accommodated on separate floors for added privacy.
The facilities have been designed specifically for those requiring additional help with problems relating to mental health issues, substance abuse and addiction, as well as domestic abuse.
As such, the
hostel also houses a private treatment room for use by visiting GPs, an
office on each floor - within which residents can discuss personal issues
with staff members - and a dedicated lounge for those female residents
seeking refuge from domestic abuse.
The Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, Edwina Hart, said:
“The rise in homelessness causes me great concern, and we are currently reviewing our National Homelessness Strategy to make sure we are directing our efforts where they will be most effective.
“We recognise the particular difficulties experienced by Wales’ capital city in meeting the accommodation needs of homeless people.
“Homelessness can only be tackled effectively through a partnership approach and this is reflected in our support for Cardiff County Council.
“This project also demonstrates our support for the work of the voluntary organisations working to tackle the problem of homelessness,” the Minister added.
United Welsh Chief Executive, Tony Whittaker said:
“We are all absolutely delighted with the finished result. Oak House is an extremely high specification facility, which will provide a much needed function within the community and its very existence is proof of what can be achieved through working in partnership.
“I am delighted that the Minister could be here today as her support for the project has been invaluable, as has that of the local residents. I have already spoken with several residents, all of whom are looking forward to settling in at Oak House and getting the support they need within this comfortable and secure environment.”
For more information about the project, contact:
Contact: Anthony Hearn
Telephone: 029 2044 4524
E-mail: oakhouse@uwha.co.uk
(2nd February 2005)