Homelessness accommodation gets a facelift thanks to partnership

The kitchen at St Clare’s House, before and after

St Clare’s House – which provides accommodation to people facing homelessness in Rochdale – has been given a major makeover, thanks to a partnership between Stepping Stone Projects and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.

Stepping Stone Projects recently acquired the building which had become run-down and needed modernisation but the charity was struggling to find a contractor to complete works, especially during the pandemic.

After working closely with local housing association Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) for several years, RBH has now stepped in and completed the renovations. Works included making the building safe with repairs and upgrades to the roof, fire safety and rain-water systems, and more secure with new doors and enhanced CCTV.

RBH also fitted a new kitchen, new lighting, new bathrooms (including one for people with disabilities), a new lounge and redecorated all of the bedrooms and common areas.

Dave Smith, Chief Executive of Stepping Stone Projects, said: "We’re really grateful to RBH for the work they’ve put in to renovating St Clare’s House. It means that residents now have a safe, secure and modern place to live, which will make a massive difference to their lives.”

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH Chief Executive, said: “I’m extremely proud of the work that our contracts team has done at St Clare’s House to deliver these improvements. This is another great example of Stepping Stone and RBH working together for the benefit of residents here in Rochdale.”

St. Clare's House is a purpose-built home which has 15 individual bedrooms with shared bathrooms, kitchen and lounge. It offers accommodation with additional low level housing management support to men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

A Housing Officer supports the residents, who have long-term, low-level support needs, to manage and sustain their accommodation and independence.