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Community Projects North Devon has its origins in the organisation’s Housing and Support Services. During 1975 Foundry House was established as a hostel for homeless men in Barnstaple. This was originally run by Barnstaple’s Council of Churches, and later went on to become the charitable organisation North Devon Housing Society.
In October 2005 the charity changed its name to Community Projects North Devon, to reflect better its 21st century activities and ideals.
Homelessness, and the seriousness of the housing situation in North Devon, remains an issue that regrettably has not changed much since those early years.
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CPND’s Housing and Support Services offers the following:
- Placement Agency - Working closely with the local Poverty Action Groups, we will place homeless people, or those threatened with homelessness, in private accommodation. The Placement can be on an emergency basis or for longer term accommodation.
- Support Services - For many homeless people being placed in accommodation is not enough to ensure independence. Support and guidance are offered for day to day issues such as claiming benefits, paying bills, finding jobs, and coping with domestic routines such as cleaning etc. Support is usually for clients who are referred with mental health problems or addictions.
- Guarantee Deposit Scheme - Clients may be offered a Guarantee Scheme, or rent/deposit in advance by way of a loan or a one off payment. The available options are discussed fully with the client and the landlord, determining the most suitable scheme according to the client’s needs.
- Jigsaw Project - If homeless people require furniture, this can be supplied by CPND’s Jigsaw Project. (Tel 01271 327564)
Housing and Support Services have four dedicated project workers who cover 100 hours a week in and around the region, offering drop-in clinics in Ilfracombe at the Link Centre, and in Bideford from the Torridge Poverty Action Group offices in Bridgeland Street.
Working closely with the local authorities and other statutory bodies, we are able to share resources and manpower in finding solutions to people’s housing difficulties.
People today do not have single needs. Homelessness or the fear of it, tends to exacerbate other problems; drug use, mental health issues, all forms of abuse, alcohol issues, domestic violence and health issues. People are not generally homeless by choice but because circumstances in their lives have put them there. Any crisis in a family could create a similar situation for anyone.
The work that is done by CPND’s Housing and Support Services benefits the community as a whole, by addressing the issues and empathising with those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
How you can help
As a charitable organisation, CPND depends on grants and donations for its existence. Please consider becoming involved, by making a donation, giving your time as a volunteer or organising a fundraising event.
 If you have a roof over your head, food on your plate, and a bed to sleep in at night, please remember those who are not as fortunate.
Case History - Grace’s Story
- Nine years ago, Grace’s world fell apart when her husband died
- Her life spiralled downhill
- She was faced with the loss of her home and came for advice to Community Projects North Devon
- Our Housing and Support Services helped her to find accommodation locally and helped her with a deposit
- She has never looked back since then
- She now has a job as a care assistant in a local nursing home
- Feeling she wanted to give something back to the community, she also now volunteers with a local charity
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