Residents of the Fox Street Community homeless shelter have been given new homes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Shelter managers Community Gateway Association (CGA) had to find homes for 20 men, after deciding to temporarily close the hostel for the welfare of residents in line with social distancing guidelines.

Fiona Fisher, Head of Housing Services at CGA, said: “The CGA team have achieved amazing results over the last few weeks. They have pulled out all the stops to secure properties for 20 people.

“Fox Street has always been close to the community’s heart and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support. A big thank you must go to the British Heart Foundation, which opened its doors so we could buy all the furniture needed to fit out the properties.

“We are very mindful that this is a stressful time for everyone, especially for those without a safe place to stay. Our dedicated Fox Street team will continue as always to provide ongoing support and assistance to the Fox Street residents in their new homes, and we will continue to keep the community updated on progress.”

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One shelter resident Brett, who has lived at Fox Street for just over a year, has been working with the CGA team to broaden his living skills.

He said: “This is my chance and I’m going to make a really good job of it, I’ve got a place of my own and it’s going to be grand. I can’t believe it to be honest, everyone has been so helpful sorting me out. I’m over the moon.”

CGA stepped in to save Fox Street Community in September 2019 after the charitable organisation Methodist Action North West ran into difficulties.

The CGA Board approved a crisis plan and worked with Preston City Council to relocate 25 rough sleepers and 31 families with ongoing support requirements into CGA homes.

CGA also took over the management of the Fox Street Community homeless shelter – which caters for up to 20 homeless men – stating that supporting the homeless is a key part of their plans. The pandemic has meant CGA’s long-term plans for the shelter have had to alter for now.

In the meantime, Community Gateway recently opened a Coronavirus Support Hub for customers, offering help at the end of the phone or online during the current crisis. CGA customers can contact the team on 0800 953 0213 or visit the CGA website.

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