The Renewal Programme’s Supported Housing Projects, Step Up and 308, work closely together to provide a range of services for young people aged 16 to 25 years and a specialist hostel for the homeless and substance mis-users.
The young people’s service was established in 1977 when local community groups recognised the gap in provision of supported housing for young people, predominantly young people from the black and ethnic minorities.
The Renewal Programme’s Supported Housing Project is committed to providing a high quality housing service aimed at empowering vulnerable and socially disadvantaged young people to acquire the skills, confidence and economic status to live independently.
 
We offer support and advice to young people on a range of issues to help them achieve the five “Every Child Matters” outcomes:
  • be healthy
  • stay safe
  • enjoy and achieve
  • make a positive contribution
  • achieve economic well-being
Towards the end of their stay with us, young people get advice and support to help them find suitable accommodation, generally, in the private rented sector.
There are 9 projects providing accommodation for 83 young people plus two small Mother and Baby units equipped for 5 young women and their babies. One of our projects acts as an assessment centre where our clients stay for the first three months and have a thorough assessment of their needs; following this assessment they move to one of our low or medium support projects. Clients have a nominated support worker who helps them decide on the direction they want their life to take and overcome any barriers to their achieving their aims and objectives.
The support service operates Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. across the projects with nigh time security available 7 night a week linking to our out-of-hour support and advice service.
Our Service for the homeless and substance mis-users consists of 8 two-bed flats forming an assessment unit and 15 self-contained one-bed flats forming the independence unit.
The assessment unit provides shared accommodation for two people. Each person has their own room and shares the kitchen and bathroom facilities with one other person. Clients hold a licence agreement and generally stay for up to three months. 
 
During their stay a full assessment of the clients’ needs and associated risks will be made and then project staff refer them to alternative longer term housing.
The independence unit provides self contained furnished accommodation where client can stay for up to eighteen months whilst they address their substance mis-use issues.
 
Individual clients are be guided through an assessment process to identify personal strengths and support requirements, as well as an analysis of personal risk taking, including positive risk taking which enhances choices and develops life skills. Clients will be supported to address their needs and acquire the skills to live independently ready for when they move-on. The project staff will encourage and support clients to engage in “meaningful occupation” and in particular, education, training and work.
This service works with some of the most vulnerable people in our community and gives them an opportunity to get their life back on track and establish a new direction.
Become a Supported Housing Volunteer and assist us in our work with young people or the homeless.
We are always keen to recruit to our team of volunteers who compliment and enhance the work we do. Whether you skills and interests are suited to working in our offices doing admin., helping someone to cook or becoming a “Buddy” to one of our clients, feel free to contact us and discuss the opportunities we have available and what is involved.
If you are an approved referal agent, you can make a referral to either service.
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT SELF REFERRALS.
To make a referral to either service or to find out about volunteering, contact us at:
The Renewal Programme Supported Housing Projects
Durning Hall Hostel,
Earlham Grove,
Forest Gate, London E7 9AB
Tel: 020 8221 3880
Fax: 020 8536 1322