The charity which supports people facing homelessness has invested just over £2.5m. in the new flats in Victoria Road, St Peter Port.
‘It was a completely blank canvas when we bought the property,’ said Maison St Pierre trustee James Ellis.
‘We are delighted with the flats, they are amazing.
‘This partnership will ensure that young people will have access to accommodation, while in addition being equipped with the skills they need to take them forward in life.’
Creating the new flats was a community effort.
Evans Architects and Wheeler Developments transformed the empty office building into seven flats with the help of generous donations and discounts from suppliers and companies across the building sector, with support from many different businesses.
The new facility has the six flats, training facilities and an emergency crash pad for those experiencing a homelessness crisis. The flats will be leased to Action for Children at a peppercorn rent, ensuring the charity can deliver its specialist support to young islanders who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
‘This is a 70% increase on what we currently have,’ said Action for Children service manager Aaron Davies.
‘Following an assessment, young people live with us for a year, and in that time we give them support to learn the skills they need to live alone.
‘Training ends cycles of homelessness.
‘These flats will fill up very quickly. There are six flats available, and there will be about 10 to 14 people coming forward for them, based on our waiting list.’
The flats are all named in memory or in recognition of the work of the people involved in Maison St Pierre.
One of the flats is suitable for a mother and baby, and another is accessible.
Action for Children has also received funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, the Social Investment Fund and the Guernsey Community Foundation to fund the staff team to operate the training accommodation once it is open.
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