A charity’s funding boost will see more affordable accommodation created across County Durham.
Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH) has received £175,000 from Durham County Council to convert part of its Gilesgate office into self-contained flats.
DASH has provided accommodation and support for homeless people and those at risk of homelessness for a number of years, but having become a Registered Provider of Social Housing in March this year, the charity is now providing affordable homes for local people to rent.
The council awarded the money from its Commuted Sums fund, which it receives from housing developers to help support local communities.
The funding will see DASH convert the first floor and part of the ground floor of its offices, on the ground floor of Hudson House in Gilesgate, into four, one-bedroom self-contained flats which will be let at affordable rent.
The council’s housing solutions team will also work alongside DASH in referring local residents to the flats, which are expected to be available from spring next year.
Cllr Kevin Shaw, Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, said: “We are delighted to further develop our working relationship with DASH and this will provide access for a greater number of our most vulnerable people into affordable accommodation. We know that the part funding we have provided will help to address housing needs within local communities and by working together with our partners, we can continue to ensure that the services offered can be best delivered to those in greatest need.
“The accommodation that will be provided at Hudson House will have a strong emphasis on local connections. I will therefore look forward to the refurbishment being completed so that we can start welcoming local residents to apply for the flats, or use the referral process to support them into housing.”
Les Punton, chair of DASH, said: “We are delighted to have secured part funding from Durham County Council and Homes England to develop our headquarters at Hudson House to provide four more self-contained flats which are much needed in the area. We look forward to developing more affordable accommodation in the future.”
