WORCESTER MP Robin Walker was on hand to open Sir Thomas White Court, a new city site containing 10 new flats for the homeless.
Alongside Mayor of Worcester Coun Jabba Riaz, the MP unveiled a plaque and opened new homes in honour of Sir Thomas White.
Sir Thomas was one of the original creators of the charity with a donation of £104 for the poor in 1582, followed by donations of the same amount every 22 years from his rotary charity.
These 10 new flats bring the total up to 37 new units of affordable accommodation created by the charity over the past five years.
Since 2013, Worcester Municipal Charities has been pursuing a new investment strategy of providing affordable housing for the single homeless and since 2015 has been helped by Homes England with grants to create flats ‘over the shops’ and in empty office buildings and six new-build on an office car park.:
“Worcester Municipal Charities has been doing a great job in the city to provide safe, affordable and secure homes to those who need it most. I have long been an advocate for more housing, and specifically more affordable housing, and was happy to be a part of such a worthwhile cause and ceremony,” Mr Walker said.
“I am glad to see measures being introduced to help local authorities maximise the use of brownfield sites, as this is something I have always believed should be prioritised before any development on our green belt.
“We are lucky to be surrounded by such a beautiful natural environment in Worcester and building the homes we need does not have to come at the cost of damaging our countryside when ex-industrial or commercial space within the city can be repurposed for housing.”
The new homes follow on from the launch of Worcester Cares earlier this year, a scheme to bring together local charities, the police, city council, local businesses, church groups and others in a bid to coordinate efforts and provide consistent advice and information to members of the public on what they can do to help get vulnerable people off the streets.
“Worcester Cares has my total support, no single charity or organisation can tackle the complex needs of homeless and vulnerable people alone, which is why a collaborative approach is so important,” Mr Walker said.
“Letting members of the public know what they can do to help is imperative – constituents frequently contact me asking where and how they can refer rough sleepers to support services and I am happy this information is now widely and clearly publicised.”
