Community Partnership Creates New Hope Through Innovative Housing Project
A powerful example of community partnership is taking shape in Chelmsford as CHESS Homeless, supported by Allia Future Homes, launches an innovative housing community to help people rebuild their lives. The Turning Point project demonstrates how collaborative action can transform lives and create lasting social change.
The development, project managed by TSA Riley, will provide 24 high-quality homes where residents can find stability and support while moving forward from homelessness. With potential to help up to 1,000 people over its lifetime, the project shows how unused land can be transformed to serve community needs.
“This development will provide a safe and secure environment where residents can rest, heal and move forward with purpose”
The £3 million project has brought together a remarkable coalition of support, with many professional services offered pro-bono or at reduced fees. The DuoHaus homes are being delivered by main contractor Hill Group as part of this collaborative project. This approach, guided by Allia Future Homes' experience in creating successful supported housing communities, shows how partnerships can multiply impact.
Churches are ideal partners
Churches are proving to be ideal partners for such developments. Allia Future Homes' first modular housing community was successfully created on land provided by Christ the Redeemer church in Cambridge. Church sites, often well-located in urban areas with good transport links and community connections, can be perfect locations for supported housing communities. The model is flexible, working for both temporary 'meanwhile' use of church land or permanent developments, allowing churches to use their assets for significant social impact.
The development includes highly insulated, sustainable homes and community spaces. CHESS is currently seeking to raise an additional £120,000 to install solar panels, which would make the site nearly energy self-sufficient. All donations, big or small, are welcomed to help reach this goal.
Organisations interested in exploring similar partnership opportunities can learn more at futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/our-impact/future-homes/
