St Basils Coventry’s Lorna Esien Court has opened its doors this week, ready to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Built following a £1M grant by the 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 cutting-edge equipment, a community garden funded by construction firm, Engie, and energy-efficient and sustainable materials, the Lorna Esien Court is St Basils Coventry’s 1st site in the city.
After receiving an anonymous donation in December 2017, the Foundation 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, with St Basils being chosen by the Foundation due to its unwavering support to eliminate youth homelessness.
Offering occupants a sustainable, safe, secure and supported space to call home, both charities hope that the Lorna Esien Court will help at-risk young people in Coventry to visualise a brighter future. The community garden will also offer an area for exercise, as well as the space to grow plants, herbs and vegetables.
Jean Templeton, Chief Executive of St Basils, comments:
“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 the Foundation, comments:
“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.”
You can find more information about our Building Better Lives programme here.