First of foundation’s £3.1m housing projects unveiled

St Basils Coventry’s Lorna Esien Court has opened its doors ready to support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Built following a £1m grant by Heart of England Community Foundation’s Building Better Lives programme, the 32 newly completed service-managed apartments will be ready to welcome their first guests this month.

Fitted out with a community garden funded by construction firm Engie, the Lorna Esien Court is St Basils Coventry’s first site in the city.

After receiving an anonymous donation in December 2017, Heart of England chose St Basils Coventry as one of its three charities across the region to receive funding.

Its Building Better Lives programme awarded those that are providing stable and rehabilitating living conditions to those who need it most.

Jean Templeton, chief executive of St Basils,said: “We are so pleased to be opening our brand-new apartments in Coventry, with the support of Heart of England Community Foundation. With the ongoing pandemic and increase in unemployment rates for those under 25, young people need our support now more than ever. We are so thankful for the funding that has enabled this project to happen and look forward to welcoming our new residents to high-quality, safe and secure accommodation.”

The Lorna Esien court, which has been named in memory of St Basils’ former deputy chief executive, will be opening its doors to new residents this month after the charity has seen a surge in young people unable to afford housing due to effects of COVID-19.

Tina Costello, chief executive at Heart of England Community Foundation, said: “We are so pleased to unveil the new accommodation funded by our biggest grant programme yet. St Basils has been vital to supporting young people across our region, and the team has worked tirelessly to continue this work, even despite the challenges of this year.

“I am so pleased that Heart of England has been able to help fund the new accommodation, which will offer young people a safe space. We look forward to seeing St Basils welcome new residents in the coming months and can’t wait to see the ongoing support that they offer to young people in Coventry.”

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