Free refurbishment demonstrates that Liverpool homeless hostel is where the heart is

Published by Gary Bolton for Connaught Plc in Housing and also in Communities

A Liverpool homeless hostel has received a much-needed makeover after three companies based within the area donated their time and materials to dramatically improve the facilities on offer.

Staff from Connaught Partnerships Ltd, Merseyrail and MerseySTRIDE came together to completely refurbish Mildmay House homeless hostel on Blackburn Place in just one day. More than 40 people from the three companies descended on the homeless hostel and in a hive of activity installed a brand new kitchen donated by Connaught, as well as completing a full redecoration of the building.

Paul Brown, Managing Director, from HOME by MerseySTRIDE, said: “The difference that has been made to the hostel in such a short space of time is incredible and I know it will be very much appreciated. Homelessness is an issue close to MerseySTRIDE’s heart as many of our 40 employees have been homeless at some stage and therefore I can’t thank Merseyrail and Connaught enough for the assistance they have offered to the local homeless community.

“It isn’t just the physical improvements that have brought benefits, as the project has also provided MerseySTRIDE with an opportunity to develop further networks and hopefully encourage hostel residents to secure work and training opportunities that are being offered through enterprises such as HOME by MerseySTRIDE.”

HOME by MerseySTRIDE is a pioneering, new social enterprise creating employment and volunteering opportunities for people who are long-term unemployed across Merseyside. Through building, selling and delivering new, high quality furniture via their shops and websites, MerseySTRIDE create employment and volunteering opportunities for local people and help to build their lives; work towards their dreams and fulfil their potential.

Claire Kershaw, Connaught customer experience manager, said: “Whilst working on home improvements, maintenance and repairs in the area we are committed to supporting the local community and this project was one that could really benefit from our expertise and access to materials. It was a big challenge but all those involved pulled out all the stops to get the refurbishment completed within a day and it was a great example of what can be achieved through a team effort.”

Connaught is working in partnership with One Vision Housing as part of a five year contract to provide kitchen, bathroom and full heating system replacements as well as external, structural, windows and doors improvements.