Site for two emergency homeless shelters secured
Caritas said it had been aiming to provide immediate shelter for those with nowhere safe to sleep and no other housing options.
The States revealed there were more than 60 people on an urgent waiting list for housing - one islander recently said she was "extremely lucky to live in a garden shed" when she had nowhere else to go.
Chairman Graham Merfield said the charity had secured a site to place two pods, subject to planning approval.
He said: "We are now working through the planning process and the planning team are being very helpful in helping us through that.
"We're anticipating our application will go in over the next weeks and our goal is to have the first two pods here for next winter, which would be September, October time."
More news stories for Guernsey
Listen to the latest news for Guernsey
Mr Merfield said the sleeping pods had a bed, a chemical toilet, a charging point but no plumbing and were "for emergency use only" to house one person at a time.
He said: "Those pods are really intended for the people who are really in desperate need of accommodation. They're not intended to be temporary accommodation.
"Our longer term goal is to build a community of modular homes to address the need for temporary accommodation."
The charity said it still aimed to provide modular homes, or "tiny homes", which would have a sitting area, bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and plumbing.
Following the recent Guernsey general election, the new president of the island's housing committee, Deputy Steve Williams, said he wanted to get spades in the ground and hundreds of homes under construction within his first year.
Mr Merfield said the charity were "cautiously optimistic" by what had been promised so far.
He said: "We've already had some positive dialogue with some of the new deputies and we're looking forward to meeting with the new housing committee under Steve Williams' leadership.
"I think having the responsibility for housing under one committee rather than spread across numerous committees should bring what I think they're terming a 'laser focus' onto the housing issue.
"Clearly, we need see what they can do both in the short term and the longer term to address the urgent needs and the longer-term needs of more affordable accommodation in the community."
Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.
'I was extremely lucky to live in a garden shed'
Charity seeks site for emergency sleeping pods
Charity seeks land to tackle island homelessness
Caritas Guernsey
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Guernsey students celebrate A-Level results
Students in the bailiwick have received their A-Level and Level 3 results. The Sixth Form Centre in Guernsey achieved a 96% pass rate across A-Level grades, with 63% at A* to C. Blanchelande College celebrated its 100% A-Level pass rate for the fourth consecutive year since it reopened its sixth form in 2020. Mr Kieran James, head teacher at the Sixth Form Centre, said the majority of his students had done "extraordinarily well" and were "really pleased". He added: "We have a lot of students who have secured employment offers already but should they need any support with employment locally or elsewhere then we can refer them to the careers service, we can also contact employers on the Island." He said results at the college showed 18% were A* or A grade or equivalent and 63% were A* to C grade. 'Dedication and perseverance' The island's Elizabeth College achieved 78% of grades at A* to C. Jenny Palmer, headteacher, said she was "really proud" of her students. "We celebrate the achievements and progress across the ability range and recognise that all the hard work, determination, and commitment have been rewarded by this great set of results," she said. Alexa Yeoman, headteacher at Blanchelande College, said her students can now progress to the next stage of their future. "This year's A Level results are a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students and teachers, as well as the invaluable support of our parents," she said. More news stories for Guernsey Listen to the latest news for Guernsey Daniele Harford-Fox, headteacher at The Ladies' College, said: "I'm so proud of every student whose A‑level results we're celebrating today." She said results day in any school brought mixed emotions. "It's important to note that whilst impressive, the girls are not just their examination performance," she said. "They are articulate, thoughtful, and authentic young women with a myriad of passions from students who are pursuing Engineering, Dance and International Relations to those going to Oxford and Cambridge." The College achieved a 100% pass rate with 91% A* to C grade and 41% A* to A grade. Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to More on this story Guernsey students 'ecstatic' with exam results Students celebrate results across Channel Islands Students celebrate results across Channel Islands Related internet links Blanchelande College Elizabeth College The Sixth Form Centre The Ladies' College
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Chasing Hope House aims to help youth aging out of foster care in Stark County
CANTON − Mikala Reynolds spent five months of her junior year at McKinley High School living at the YWCA women's shelter in downtown Canton. Reynolds, who worked at McDonald's, had lived with family members prior to becoming homeless. She lived with an aunt in Canton and then with her sister in Miami, Ohio. But soon after moving in, her sister became pregnant. Reynolds couldn't stay. So, she returned to Canton. "The system failed me," Reynolds said. "After that, I was homeless. It was really bad. I was house hopping, going to friend's houses, trying to figure out where to live. I was taken by one of my friend's moms to the homeless shelter." Recently, Reynolds moved to an apartment in Canton with a housing voucher from the YWCA. In part, she was helped by Chasing Hope House, a nonprofit that started in July 2024. Its founder and executive director, Chais Ross-Medal, has big plans for helping more teens like Reynolds. Chasing Hope House is in the process of getting its independent living license from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. Ross-Medal said it will be the first facility of its kind in the state. The program will accept teens aging out of foster care or facing housing instability and will be staffed 24 hours a day by mentors. The goal is for youth 16 to 18 to start preparing for their futures and learning to be independent. But that doesn't mean there won't be time for regular teen things, like prom, high school football games and senior pictures, said LaMonica Jackson-Young, director of operations. "A lot of them are missing out on those things," she said. "We want to assist them in being teenagers while adding to basic life skills." About 1,000 kids exit foster care at 18 or older each year in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. 'I've seen a need.' Ross-Medal inspired by family to start nonprofit Ross-Medal grew up around foster kids. Her aunt, Ida Ross-Freeman, was a longtime community activist and respite parent. Ross-Freeman was trusted by the kids she cared for and created lasting relationships. "In the end of her life, a lot of kids were still coming to her," Ross-Medal said. "She was 76, so it was sad. She wanted to still help, but she couldn't." Her mom was also in the foster care system and was emancipated at 16. "I come from a foster kid," Ross-Medal said. "So, I kind of have a passion for it from the beginning." Since then, Ross-Medal has become a foster parent and has spent time learning the system. Ross-Medal got her cosmetology license in 2011 and has worked in the health insurance industry for the past 10 years. Alongside her professional career, she's also a commercial model with Pro-Model & Talent Management (PMTM). She believes the nonprofit will help fill a gap in the community. "I've seen a need," she said. "There is a need for teenagers, for stability, for life skills, for mentorship and just for shelter." Independent living residential program to start in 2026 Chasing Hope House is already providing supportive services to teens in the community. Staff at McKinley High School have connected them to youth in need. The nonprofit will continue to offer non-residential services such as mentorship and life skills support to youth 14 to 19. The residential independent living program will build on that foundation for teens 16 to 18 aging out of foster care. "We want it to be an initimate and supportive community," Ross-Medal said. The independent living program is expected to start with a pilot program utilizing apartments in downtown Canton at Crossroads United Methodist Church owned by nonprofit Canton For All People. Chasing Hope House is also working with Canton For All People to build three duplexes in the Shorb neighborhood. The nonprofit is still looking for a larger building to house youth. Chasing Hope House is in the final stage of the state licensing process. The final steps are confirming policies and procedures and getting the building. Independent living settings provide life skills and a semi-supervised approach which differentiates them from other residential care facilities, according to a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. The residential program is expected to start in January 2026 or earlier, as soon as the license is approved. Chasing Hope House is also in the process of getting its state license for a drop-in shelter for youth 14 to 17 facing homelessness or in crisis situations. Its anticipated opening is fall 2026 and the shelter will serve youth not in state custody. So far, the nonprofit received a grant from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth for a program to support young moms and dads 14 to 20 and funding from Republic Services. 'Our youth need those supports.' Stark County youth in the foster care system are often placed in foster homes and group homes outside the county, as far as Toledo, Dayton and Cincinnati. That makes it more difficult for them to establish a routine and visit with family members. Sarah Goins, supervisor at Stark County Children Services, said there is a need for more options for youth, particularly close to home. "There are some really good programs that are geared towards preparing them for adulthood, working on those independent living skills, giving them opportunities to get jobs. ... (We) don't have enough of it, and we don't have anything here in our community," she said. "Our youth need those supports." The county starts to provide independent living services at age 14 for youth in foster care. That program focuses on providing opportunities and helping them plan for their future. The bridges program is also available for youth after they emancipate until they turn 21. That provides ongoing monthly support, including financial help. The county helps connect youth to housing options and provides some funding to start. There are also Section 8 housing vouchers available to youth aging out of foster care. But housing continues to be the biggest need. "We need housing resources," Goins said. "We know in our community that we're struggling with affordable housing, and imagine how much more difficult that is for someone who is 18 and just starting out." Youth also need consistent support and help in maintaining their homes. "They need flexibility. They need second chances and sometimes third chances," Goins said. "And they need time. A lot of our young people need more time to have experiences and practice adulthood, but they're already in it." Goins said she looks forward to Chasing Hope House opening its residential living program. "It'll be helpful for us to have a resource and good people in the community that we can trust that are going to look out for our youth," she said. Mikala Reynolds moves to new home, prepares for future Now that she's settled into her new home, Reynolds is looking forward to her senior year and what comes after. "I'm ready to get that high school diploma," she said. She just got her temporary permit and is learning to drive. Reynolds is planning to go to college to study business. She loves to braid hair and dreams of owning a small chain of salons in the future. "I always just wanted to make people look good," she said. And she attends church every Sunday at 365 Alive Ministries. Chasing Hope House has continued to help her along the way. "Even though I don't have parents in my life, I can always go to Chais and Moni about something," Reynolds said. "I cherish that. I've never had nobody in my life that's actually going to stay by my side and be here for me." Reach Grace at 330-580-8364 or gspringer@ Follow her on X @GraceSpringer16. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Chasing Hope House to provide housing, mentorship for foster teens Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Campaign to protect green space loved by residents continues
The campaign to save a green space from development continues, with residents illustrating its importance within the community with posters. Harwood residents are desperately trying to stop the land from being lost and be replaced by a new housing estate. The a two-year saga between developer Oak Tree Ltd and Harwood residents has now gone to the planning inspectorate for a final decision. The plans were first submitted in 2022 – originally an application for two dozen houses – but was amended to 20 just off Longsight Lane. Campaigners for Longsight Park. (Image: Leah Collins) They were rejected by the planning committee on November 18 last year – but the developer filed an appeal on May 16 – almost exactly six months after the decision. Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) The Friends of Longsight Park have since campaigned against the appeal and to keep the site and to also keep a public right of way, intact. READ MORE: Bolton Council rejects planning application for houses in Harwood Locals dismayed at appeal over rejected Longsight Lane plan Dozens gather in protest against plans to develop in Harwood Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) READ MORE: Longsight Park, Harwood is a hidden gem for all to enjoy Speaking to The Bolton News, Belinda Williams, who runs one of the sub-groups in the campaign said: 'We have painted placards and posters with love and care to show the planning inspectorate just how much Harwood is loved and cherished. 'The residents are all keen on saving this green space because its so special. It's a green corridor that cuts through the Millennium Wood and when it's gone it's gone. "There are approximately 320 species across the two fields. "Some of the friends who've painted signs include Mandy, Lisa, Jackie, Maria, Julie and myself. A road is planned to intersect this area. (Image: Leah Collins) 'The planned development will also feature a road that goes through the Old Ned's Lane, which is a public right of way. Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) "The proposed sites are along a green corridor, its vital that this stays intact as to ruin this would disrupt the wildlife here. 'The spaces will also affect tree roots, there are trees in the ancient hedge row that have long roots spread out and will go under the development. 'One in four British mammals are at risk of extinction, but here we have rabbit, fox, roe deer and wood mice frequently crossing and living on the site. Signs decorated by campaigners. (Image: Leah Collins) 'How will they survive?' Ward councillor Les Webb said: 'Having supported residents through this arduous journey so far, where this potential development is solely about profit for the developers and not providing sufficient affordable houses. "This application was correctly refused by the elected councillors at the planning meeting and these level of complaints are only manifesting due to greed of the developers. The development is proposed for this site. (Image: Leah Collins) 'I sincerely hope the Planning Inspectorate will protect the Green Spaces , Wildlife corridors as well as ancient trees and hedge rows and this debacle to bed once and for all. 'Also let it be a lesson to other developers who see Harwood as a quick buck our residents will fight for our Green Belt and remind BMBC of the Brown Belt first policy as well as the directives of Places for Everyone. 'Our villages infrastructures can not support further expansion, school places are at capacity, doctors surgery's without appointments and a grid locked road system relying on data from 2007 - 2009 since any data was collected, Harwood is full!' Speaking at the planning meeting where the plan was rejected, Cllr John Walsh said: "This development is cause for serious concern specifically because of its proximity to a site of biological interest and the significant negative impact on this will not be lost. It is for that reason I'm refusing the application."
