Emergency flats upgraded to aid disabled residents
BBCA homeless charity is designing its first purpose-built emergency accommodation for disabled people.
Cornerstone said it was converting two of its properties in Bishop Auckland and Hartlepool to be better suited for wheelchair users and those with chronic illnesses.
The charity's communication and support lead Nicky Morson said people could stay at the properties for up to 10 weeks, during which it would help them figure out their housing plans in the longer term. "It's built for you to get the support in place," she said.
Morson said the upgrades were only possible due to a £35,510 grant from the St-Martin-in-the-Fields charity.
Morson said the charity realised how big an issue some disabled homeless people faced when they opened a hub in Bishop Auckland.
She said, for example, not everyone was confident stating their needs when given emergency accommodation.
"It's just another barrier [for disabled people]," she said. "People just accept what's available."
Morson said the money would be spent on various modifications to the two ground floor flats such as widening their doors and making the bathrooms more accessible.
