Aspire has opened a new housing scheme in Ryde for women exiting homelessness – including veterans.
The new development, comprising 7 self-contained flats, was formally opened during a special event on Friday 29th August. Three of the flats will be specifically reserved for women with links to the Armed Forces, while all residents will be supported to build their independence and eventually move on to longer-term housing.
The scheme has been several years in the making, led by Aspire Ryde and part-funded by the Isle of Wight Council’s Community Housing Fund. Charity Bank has also supported the project through a blend of loans and grants, alongside contributions from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the B&Q Foundation.
Aspire CEO Trevor Nicholas said:
“This accommodation is the culmination of four years of hard work to provide homes for people who are most at risk. We know this is a drop in the ocean compared to the overall need, but we hope this scheme will be a catalyst for many others in the future.”
Before the formal ribbon cutting, the Lord Lieutenant toured Aspire’s Dover Street base, learning more about the charity’s wide-ranging community work. Aspire Chair Bob White then addressed guests outside the new housing development, calling for Churches and Christian organisations to creatively reimagine underused assets to help address the housing crisis.
Among the attendees were representatives from ARID Design and DN Associates – who led on the project’s design and construction – as well as Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson and Ryde Mayor Diana Conyers.
Bob White added:
“It was great to welcome people to this new accommodation and to hear so many positive comments about the quality of the provision. We are grateful to the Lord Lieutenant and so many others for attending and we are looking forward to showing people around their new homes in the next few weeks.”
Yet again, men are excluded.
It’s good to hear help is being given to ex service personnel at last. We need more help for veterans