For those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the winter months offer a very difficult challenge. At Horton Housing, we have short-term supported accommodation, commonly referred to as hostels, across the region ready to support individuals or families. Below are five very common misconceptions about the type of accommodation available.
‘I will have to stay in a room with strangers or people I don’t know’
Here at Horton Housing’s supported accommodation, ran alongside Bradford Homeless Partnership, all apartments are self-contained. This means that every household has a key to their own individual apartment or flat, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom/s and living area. The only shared facilities are a laundry room and activity room. The activity room is a place where residents can get together for meetings or join in other optional activities such as craft work or learning to cook.
There are some types of supported accommodation where you may have shared kitchens, communal lounge and bathrooms. However, all supported accommodation residents have their own key to their own private bedroom where they have a right to their own privacy and can also keep all of their own personal belongings.
A resident who recently moved into a Bradford Homeless Partnership hostel and was previously staying with relatives and sleeping on their sofa said: ‘I can’t believe this is all for me. I thought I would be sharing so I didn’t seek help at first.’
‘Hostels are for young people’
Supported accommodation can be provided for people of all ages.
Bradford Homeless Partnership’s supported accommodation provide short-term temporary and emergency accommodation for adults and families who are deemed by the Local Authority as statutorily homeless and in priority housing need.
There are many other hostels which provide accommodation for other groups of people. These may include accommodation for:
- young people
- female only
- families
- male only
- mixed hostels for men and women
Supported accommodation may also provide specialist support for people who have specific needs, such as mental health challenges, people fleeing violence, or those at risk of homelessness or abuse.
Whatever the criteria, supported accommodation is generally provided to offer people a safe place to live and receive support until they are ready to move onto alternative accommodation which meets their longer term needs.
The main support provided at Bradford Homeless Partnership hostels is housing related however we work with external services to ensure that their individual needs are met, where required. For instance, an individual may require additional support around personal care needs.
‘Hostel accommodation is basic and unhygienic’
A common definition of a hostel is: ‘a large house where people can stay cheaply for a short period of time. Hostels are usually owned by local government authorities or charities’.
The above statement is true for many hostels however this does not apply to all supported accommodation.
All of Horton Housing’s accommodation is fully furnished to a very high quality. All up to date regulatory Health and Safety and Compliance certificates are in place. Weekly checks are conducted to ensure ongoing monitoring, safety and cleanliness of all communal areas.Â
Quote from resident AF: ‘It’s such a very nice place. We have our own space, a roof over heads and we are safe. I have felt safer here with my children than anywhere else in a long time.’
‘Hostels are noisy and not suitable for my children’
At Horton Housing we take great care to provide a safe, secure and comfortable environment. All residents sign up to an Occupancy Agreement, which sets out rights and responsibilities of residents and also of us as the landlord.
In addition to this, we have house rules which we discuss with residents before they move into the property. Where there are any concerns regarding noise disturbance, or any other forms of anti-social behaviour, our onsite staff will assist in addressing any issues and ensure that all residents are able to live in a peaceful and safe environment.
As well as this, we take great pride in tenant involvement and supporting people to build their confidence and enable them to become more independent. We ensure that our Tenant Involvement activities are inclusive for everyone.
Some example of the activities that we have facilitated at Bradford Homeless Partnership’s supported accommodation are:
- activities to celebrate Easter, Eid and Christmas
- fun Halloween activities
- arts and crafts clubs
- outdoor games in our communal garden
Families and children are at the forefront of our values and the work we do.
‘My belongings aren’t safe in a hostel’
As noted above under Myth 1, all residents have their own key to their own room or flat where they can safely store their personal belongings. It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure that their room or flat doors are locked, just as it would be in any other type of accommodation.
At Bradford Homeless Partnership’s supported accommodation, staff are onsite Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. We also have on site night security from 5pm to 3am. In addition to this, we have CCTV monitoring of entrances to the building and communal areas, which is monitored 24/7.
A current resident at Bradford Homeless Partnership’s supported accommodation told us: “it’s such a nice place here, staff are so good and helpful to me.’’