An innovative and ground-breaking community enterprise scheme to create sustainable housing for homeless people has been officially launched in Cambridgeshire.
The initiative, which has been supported by SIG Roofing, was introduced as part of a new ‘Home First’ project, involving Allia Future Business Centre, Jimmy’s night shelter, the parish of Holy Cross Cambridge and New Meaning — a not-for-profit social enterprise which developed the structures.
New Meaning has delivered a total of six modular homes to the county, where they will be available to rent for people who are currently or have previously been homeless.
The homes were officially unveiled on Friday, 12th June, with the first residents expected to move in later this summer. SIG Roofing supported the project by providing heavily discounted roofing materials from its nearby branch.
Speaking at the project’s launch, Karen Lilley, SIG Roofing St Ives’ Branch Manager, said: “It’s a real privilege to be able to supply roofing materials to such a fantastic development. Homelessness is a sadly growing issue across the UK, so the work carried out by New Meaning can make a real positive difference to a person’s life.
“As our products were being applied to modular homes, we recommended the use of FIX-R EPDM, as it delivers flexibility, weather resistance and is highly sustainable.
“The hope is that the development will remain in place for a significant amount of time, making positive change to as many lives as possible, so it was important for us to supply a product which guarantees durability and longevity — key attributes FIX-R EPDM is recognised for.
John Evans, Trustee Director at New Meaning, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have officially opened the ‘Homes for the Homeless’ project, and hope that the project offers a little light in a time of great uncertainty. I’d like to extend my personal thanks to SIG Roofing for their support throughout the project, and to Karen in particular for her advice and guidance on the right products for the development.”
