03 May Volunteers wanted to help people move on from homelessness
Salvation Army leaders in Southend are appealing for volunteers to support a new project in the city which will help to ease homelessness.
Malachi Homes, on land at Juniper Road, is set to welcome its first residents in June. These are people who are moving on from homelessness and rebuilding their lives in a secure environment. The site is made up of six modular homes, including a bathroom, bedroom, living area and a fully-equipped kitchen.
The church and charity gives people who have been homeless or rough sleeping, the support they need to re-establish their lives, including housing advice and training in basic life skills. Residents at Malachi Homes have already been housed in shared accommodation and engaged with support. Malachi Homes is the next step towards independent living.
Residents will be supported by trained volunteers and supervised by a manager.
The Salvation Army has joined forces with Citizens UK and housing developer The Hill Group to set up The SHC Partnership to deliver Malachi Homes.
Helper Rosie Stone has already signed up and urged others to support this scheme through volunteering.
Rosie said: “This is an exciting new project and an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life even in a small way. I would encourage others to consider if they could also support someone to believe in themselves once again, to make a real difference to people in our city.”
“I would like to support residents to live their life autonomously, but also to be there as an advocate when needed.
“I can help others to access services and believe I can work in a caring, non-judgemental way to treat residents with dignity and respect.”
Applications are also being invited for the programme manager role. This individual will manage the volunteers and ensure residents are provided with support throughout their stay.
Cedric Lungiambudi is programme manager for Malachi Place in Ilford, a similar scheme in East London which led to Malachi Homes being established in Southend.
Cedric said he finds the role extremely rewarding and stressed Malachi Homes means that The Salvation Army can offer more support to help people move on from homelessness.
He explained: “We approach each client as an individual so we can get to know them and give them the support they need. This is about empowering people to take responsibility in moving themselves on and making positive changes to their lives. Malachi means there is hope they will progress because we have more time to spend with people and provide support.”
