Supported homes at Kent House refurbished

14.06.2010

A supported housing scheme for homeless people in the centre of St Albans has undergone a major refurbishment and the finishing touches have been made possible with the support of local charities. 

Kent House, provides temporary accommodation for 20 vulnerable homeless people between the ages of 18 and 65. It comprises of 18 single bed-sits and 2 double bed-sits and is managed by Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association (Hightown).  

The refurbishment started in February 2010 and took seven weeks to complete. It was a service user led project so residents were involved in choosing colour schemes, furniture and the redecoration of the communal lounge. Each bedsit had a complete makeover with new carpets, curtains and furniture being installed. 

Thanks to the generous donation from St Albans Round Table, Kent House will soon be purchasing a new 42’’ flat screen television for the communal lounge, a brand new BBQ and garden furniture to accompany the newly fitted bike racks. These changes will make the living areas more inviting and homely spaces for the residents to relax in and less of an institution. Agnes, a service user at Kent House said “The refurbishment is lovely. When you are going through stressful times it’s so nice to be able to go to your room at the end of the day and just relax. Kent House looks so beautiful”.

The refurbishment has also given residents access to the internet in a newly created meeting room, enabling them to take steps to improving their future by updating their CV’s, applying for work and completing courses on-line. 

David Kummel, Supported Housing Manager at Kent House, said “The refurbishment at Kent House has had a dramatic effect on the lives of our residents.  One couple said to us that it made their room ‘feel like a home' and others said the whole building feels brighter and cleaner giving a more relaxed atmosphere. The staff have noticed that the communal lounge is certainly being used more frequently by all residents who appreciate the new seating and access to the computer”.

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