29 June 2009

Press Release

Homeless Hostel redevelopment gets go ahead

Alabaré Christian Care Centres were delighted to hear that after two years work and planning they have been given the go ahead to redevelop Damascus House in Salisbury.

At the 25 June 2009 planning committee meeting of the new Wiltshire Council councillors voted in favour of the development.

Andrew Lord, Chief Executive of Alabaré Christian Care Centres said “We are delighted that the new Wiltshire Council have given the green light to this project and we look forward to working with them over the coming years to the benefit of our service users and all the residents of Wiltshire”

At Damascus House Alabaré provides shelter and support for homeless people and when they are ready, the help to move on once more into their own homes. Last year 39 people successfully moved on, or as one former resident said Damascus had helped him turn his life around.

The designs for the new Damascus House allow for improved accommodation and new training facilities, recycling of grey water and maximising of daylight to reduce energy demands and costs. The building will also be more in keeping visually with its locality in Barnard Street.

The development includes 8 units of move on accommodation where residents will receive low level staff support as they make the transition to more independent living.

Alabaré is now working with a number of funding bodies to take the financial arrangements forward and will also be making a major funding appeal to the voluntary sector. Detailed plans for the building work, which will be carried out by Westlea Housing Association, and arrangements for temporary housing of the Damascus House residents during the development are being put in place.