Sómas

Description

Galway Simon Community (GSC) acquired this derelict site to build 10 single bedroomed homes, beside an existing Service. The properties are designed specifically for older people on the social housing waiting list.
Existing developments that offer security of tenure to older people are very limited. People whom GSC have provided Tenancy Sustainment Services to can need quite a lot of support. The majority of people in GSC’s services are single people, and move on options are particularly difficult to identify.
This was an opportunity
1) To do something rare:
• 10 purpose-built units of social housing for single person households, particularly older people and people with mobility issues.
• One-bedroom properties are extremely rare by in the city. These properties are prized as investments in the open market and they are popular as short term lets.
• Where local developers are expected to make 10% of new stock available to Local Authorities the level of development necessary to make 10 units available (ie 100 new units) is not happening in Galway.
• Site location is excellent in terms of proximity to public transport, amenities and services.

2) To do something well:
• Quality accommodation incorporating good design values makes an enormous difference to people, enabling them to thrive, live independently and reducing pressure on other health and social services.
• Units were designed to accommodate people across the life cycle, incorporate a lift, accessible bathrooms and are laid out to accommodate accessibility for those with health and mobility issues.
• Given proximity to another GSC Service, accommodation can be well managed and offer a higher level of security and protection to vulnerable people.

3) To do something valuable in line with Policy Objectives:
• GSC is committed to Housing First and Housing Led principles, to finding housing solutions for people.
• This design is in line with addressing dereliction, urban regeneration, compact design and connected communities policies. GSC has proactively designed the development to address identified issues where older clients and people with impaired mobility experience isolation when living in areas where they have difficulties getting to local shops, health services etc.
• Universal Design features in these age friendly homes include level access, a lift, accessible bathrooms and wide hallways and doors. Accessible accommodation is a critical issue, and the waiting lists for ground floor or accessible housing are long and inflexible.
• The development is in line with Government Policy for Approved Housing Bodies to provide social housing that meets specific needs.

4) To do something that is urgently required in Galway City.
• GSC has had more referrals from people in their 60s in recent years entering emergency accommodation for the first time in their lives.
• Threshold and Alone have also reported increasing numbers of people over 60 who have never owned their own homes presenting with valid Notices to Quit and at risk of homelessness.
• There are ongoing issues in relation to hospital discharges where there isn’t sufficient appropriate accommodation available.

Aim of Initiative

With more people facing homelessness as a result of the housing crisis, Galway Simon has placed a significant focus on Prevention and Solutions, rather than increasing our Emergency Response. Providing secure and affordable housing is one of the key ways that we prevent people from becoming homeless and provide permanent solutions to homelessness.
We are seeing a growing cohort of people who present as homeless or at risk of homelessness for the very first time when in their 60’s. For example, we have worked with people whose housing need was only recognised when an elderly parent died, or people who had managed to pay rent whilst working but found the rent unaffordable. For those who access HAP, the ‘Locked out of the Market’ series of studies has consistently shown that there are no HAP properties available to rent in Galway under the HAP limits.
We work with people who are living in accommodation that does not meet their needs because of declining health or mobility. Older people and people who have had their mobility compromised by health events can find themselves with little option but long-term care when there is insufficient suitable accommodation that facilitates independent living for those with disabilities.
The aim of this development on a derelict site in the city was to deliver ten well designed accessible one- bedroom apartments for older people and people with reduced mobility. These homes will have a positive transformative impact on the lives of ten people.

Who is it aimed at

The target tenant groups were:

Older people and people with impaired mobility living in Galway City. All of the tenants have experienced homelessness, or the risk of homelessness, and will receive supports from their Galway Simon Community tenancy sustainment keyworkers if and as required.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Knowledge and experience of working with older people in Tenancies, and having an understanding of the features that ensure people can thrive where they live.
2. All the aspirations that we had for the building were articulated in the Design brief.
3. Incredible Architect and Design Team who could translate our aspirations for the building into Design Solutions

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. The length of time it takes to turn our vision into reality.
2. Technical issues that delay building, e.g. water and power connections
3. Having to navigate funding with both the Local Authority and The Department of Housing/Environment

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Delivery of 10 High Quality A Rated one-bedroom apartments for older people or people with reduced mobility.
2. Tenants are really happy with their new homes. They have peace and quiet, they have good privacy and they have access to community spaces if they wish.
3. The apartment design ensures that tenants who require additional healthcare and support services can remain in their home