Six Doors Open for Wisbech Rough Sleepers

May 6, 2022

A partnership between New Meaning Foundation, Places for People Living Plus, Fenland District Council, Allia and The Ferry Project has officially opened Jubilee Place – a development of six SPACE Homes in Cambridgeshire for people who are currently homeless.

The project came to fruition thanks to a Places for People Living Plus’ successful application to the government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) – a £433m programme which aims to deliver up to 6,000 units of supported move-on accommodation for rough sleepers over the course of the current parliament.

Built by New Meaning Foundation, this installation is the second of its kind in Cambridgeshire. New Meaning Foundation’s model is to train and employ young people and adults (including those who have experienced homelessness) so that they can earn their own living. Each home was built using MMC (Modern Methods of Construction) off-site at the Charity’s headquarters in Waterbeach, near Cambridge.

Andy Lomas, Managing Director of Places for People Living Plus, explained: “We are fortunate to be working in collaboration with brilliant, likeminded partners who share a collective commitment to tackling the cycle of homelessness – not just creating homes for those currently living on the streets but helping those who are at risk or have previously been homeless by engaging them in the construction process.”

John Evans, Charity Founder and CEO of New Meaning Foundation, said: “These homes will allow people to regain a sense of place and privacy whilst they rebuild their confidence and ability to rebuild their lives.”

Keith Smith, Director of the Ferry Project, said: “These new homes provide a wonderful place for a clients of the Ferry Project to get a fresh start. The quality of the units is wonderful and clients are already excited about moving in later this month.”

Fenland District Council has arranged for former rough sleepers to take up residence in the brand new accommodation this week. A spokesperson for the Council explained that they will still be very much in crisis mode as they adjust to having a secure and warm roof over their heads.