By Isle of Wight Observer
Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon officially opened Aspire’s new community housing in Ryde High Street on Friday, August 29.
The seven flats will soon provide homes for women either exiting homelessness or at risk of losing their accommodation. Residents will be supported towards greater independence, with the aim of moving into longer term housing. Three of the flats are reserved for women with veteran connections.
The scheme has been part-funded by the Isle of Wight Council’s Community Housing Fund, with further finance from Charity Bank through a mix of loans and grants. Other support came from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the B&Q Foundation.
Aspire chief executive Trevor Nicholas said the accommodation was “the culmination of four years of hard work to provide homes for people most at risk”, adding that although small in scale, it could be a catalyst for future projects.
Before the opening, the Lord Lieutenant toured Aspire’s Dover Street premises to hear about the charity’s wider community initiatives. She then joined guests at the High Street property, following a speech from Aspire chairman Bob White, who spoke of the need for churches and Christian organisations to play a part in tackling housing issues.
Representatives from ARID Design, who oversaw the project, and DN Associates, who carried out the construction, attended the event. Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson and Ryde mayor Diana Conyers were also present.
Mr White said it was encouraging to receive positive comments about the new homes.
Press Release