For World Homeless Day, which happens on the 10th October every year, Jimmy’s Cambridge announces it has joined up with Cambridge City Council and the Hill Group to launch new modular homes across the city for people who are experiencing homelessness.
Following on from Jimmy’s successful launch in June 2020 of 6 new modular homes, the charity is seeking to expand this opportunity. When the City Council announced its intention to use spare land to host new modular homes, Jimmy’s felt it was in the best position to help.
The homes will be donated to Jimmy’s by the Hill Group Foundation, with the City Council providing the land. Two sites have already had planning approved for 10 new modular homes, with a third site identified for up to another 7 new homes.
Jimmy’s has remained open throughout the pandemic, with staff and volunteers continuing to support people, including working with the City Council and charity partners to support people who’ve been sleeping rough who have been temporarily housed in hotels. These new homes are part of a joint ambition to ensure that no-one has to return to the street.
World Homeless Day is an international event that takes place every year. The purpose is to draw attention to the needs of people who experience homelessness and provide opportunities for the community to get involved in responding to this.
Mark Allan, Chief Executive of Jimmy’s Cambridge, says “Our role is to provide a home and support to people who have been experiencing homeless, and many of the people Jimmy’s helps have been sleeping rough on the street. The 6 new modular homes we launched in June have proved very popular. A small community has formed, with the residents supporting each other and looking out for each other. It really works. The chance to provide more of these homes is a great opportunity and will make a massive impact on people’s lives. And we are pleased to announce this for World Homeless Day, as part of Jimmy’s community response to meeting the needs of people who are homeless in Cambridge.”
Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Housing at Cambridge City Council, says “Cambridge City Council is fully committed to helping those who are homeless find a route out so they can leave the street behind for good and rebuild their lives.
A range of approaches are used to support this objective, including through the modular homes initiative the council has developed with Hill.
The homes have been designed with input from former rough sleepers to ensure they are suitable for the support needs and requirements of those who will use them.
They are not meant to be a permanent residence, but a first step in transitioning from hostel or temporary accommodation into a more sustainable, long-term housing placement.
With this in mind I am delighted that Jimmy’s has agreed to oversee and run the homes on behalf of the council. We have a very strong relationship with Jimmy’s, and I know their knowledge and expertise will help ensure the project will be a success.”