Charitable housing association BCHA has strengthened its ambitious to tackle homelessness across the South West with the development of 42 properties following a £2million funding boost from Lloyds Bank.
The project is set to be completed by March 31 and will help hundreds of vulnerable people across the region with affordable and secure housing.
For more than 50 years, has supported thousands of people with housing needs across the South and South West helping them to lead independent lives.
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The loan from Lloyds Bank will be used to help fund the development and acquisition of 42 properties across the region, in addition to grant funding already secured from the Government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme.
The plight of homelessness was highlighted across the region during the coronavirus pandemic, with the need to provide accommodation for more than 200 people in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area who were “hidden homeless”- sofa surfing or living in insecure housing – in addition to the hundreds of people already sleeping rough on the streets.
Martin Lucas, director of finance at BCHA believes that empowering people is key to tackling homelessness across society. He said: “The recent pandemic has brought a renewed focus towards rough sleeping in the region and it remains vital that we continue to help individuals to take control of their own lives and to foster a more joined up approach between different services if we’re going to tackle homelessness successfully.
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BCHA operates across the South West, and in with Plymouth City Council recently developed 12 one-bed flats specifically designed to meet the needs of people with medium-level learning disabilities. It also runs.
BCHA has been a customer of Lloyds Bank for more than 25 years. During that time, Lloyds Bank’s support has enabled the housing provider to make a practical contribution to local housing problems across Bournemouth and the South West.
Mr Lucas said: “Our relationship director at Lloyds Bank completely understands our long-term aims and with his support we are proud to be able to fund the development of new properties in a bid to support society’s most in-need people.”
David Binding, relationship director at Lloyds Bank, added: “Working with the team at BCHA as it continues to offer support for vulnerable people in our region has been incredibly rewarding.
“As a long-term partner, we’re confident that the funding will go a long way to tackle homelessness and provide life-changing accommodation for many people. We will continue to be by the side of South West businesses to help them achieve their goals in the months ahead.”