Micro-homes for the homeless - UK Property Forums

Construction of micro-homes for the homeless is now underway in Cambridge.

This will be made up of six home units, which were approved by Cambridge City Council in November 2019.

It is hoped that the 25-square-metre pods which are the first of their kind in the UK, will help to end the cycle of homelessness.

Homelessness charity Jimmy’s, the Allia Future Business Centre and social enterprise New Meaning are behind its creation.

There will be five homes for those experiencing homelessness, and a sixth unit to house a volunteer acting as a warden.

Jimmy’s confirmed it would go ahead despite any coronavirus concerns unless government advice changes.

The temporary homes will be available by April, with the original move-in date of March being pushed back due to unexpected issues.

Currently permission held by Jimmy’s means that the homes can remain on site for three years.

These unique homes are portable and if the land, currently unused, is required in the future for other uses, then the homes can then be relocated elsewhere, along with the residents if they so choose.

A team from the charity will be situated on-site on a daily basis, providing high-quality intensive support to ensure this opportunity will work for each occupant.

The units are provided as an interim measure, so that it will lead to finding permanent accommodation during the time they live there.

According to the planning application, although council policy states homes should be above 37 sq m, these will be an ‘efficiently designed space that creates a separate bedroom, bathroom and utility room, with a shower and washing machine, and an open plan living [and] kitchen area’.