The Single Homeless Accommodation Project (SHAP) is a project run in partnership with Derby Homes, giving single people who have often been homeless for a long time the opportunity to get back onto a stable footing.

Through SHAP, these people with complex needs live in a dedicated block of 12 studio flats – two of which are fully accessible – with a garden and communal space. They become tenants of Derby Homes, living independently while receiving wraparound support from DCM to break the cycle of homelessness.

Many of the SHAP tenants have tried other types of housing before in attempts to get off the street, but have dropped out. They have experienced rough sleeping, trauma, substance misuse and many other complex challenges that get in the way. Over the years, we have had the privilege of supporting many of these people through other DCM projects, building relationships of trust with our staff, some of whom now make up the core support team at SHAP.

We help the tenants learn how to pay their rent on time and deal with bills. We also arrange other types of intervention they may need, like medical or addiction services, and support them to stick at it. Our trauma-informed practical, emotional and spiritual support helps each person to continue moving forward towards a more stable and hopeful future.

Community is key

The communal areas at the SHAP block have proved to be an important part of the project, where the tenants start to feel part of a community, make friends and learn new hobbies that bring a sense of purpose. They often cook and eat together. DCM staff arrange activities like cooking, baking, painting, bingo, watching films together, gardening, trips out, and hosting support groups in the space. Recently, the tenants requested a regular Bible study.

Our own SHAP team have lived experience in some of the challenges that the tenants face, and know first-hand how difficult they are to overcome without the love and support of people around you. Everybody really values the family atmosphere that has developed at this project.

SHAP brought Francis stability

Francis is a wheelchair user who never managed to stay in accommodation for long, but has now lived at SHAP for 8 months. It’s been life-changing for him. He loves to sit outside and enjoy the relaxing space created in the garden. His health has improved, physically and mentally, and all agencies involved have commented on how well he is doing. The district nurses say this is the best they have ever known him.