People who have been living at St Julian’s House for extended periods of time are going to be helped into new homes so that anyone who is truly homeless can be given shelter.
The property has always been classed as ’emergency housing’ but many residents have been living there for much longer than intended.
It’s recognised that some of those people are ready, through the support they’ve received from staff at St Julian’s, to move on, but they’ve not been able to.
Now, the Committee for Housing and charity At Home in Guernsey are starting work with the team at St Julian’s House to develop individual support plans for those residents who are ready to move out.
For some this may be an interim step into private accommodation before moving into social housing.
The support available will depend on each resident’s individual circumstances and will include helping them with skills development and employment support.
Case Managers in the Committee for Employment & Social Security’s Work Support team will also be on hand to help residents so they can also find work, when they’re able and ready.
The initiative is aimed at re-establishing St Julian’s House as the primary provider of emergency accommodation for those at risk of homelessness, said Deputy Steve Williams, President of the Committee for Housing.
“We understand it may take time for some residents to be ready to move on to more suitable accommodation, and we are committed to supporting them on a case-by-case basis to help them reach that point,” he said.
“Going forward, we want to avoid St Julian’s House being viewed as a long-term solution for some individuals, and so it is equally important that steps are taken to put the primary focus back on St Julian’s House as an emergency accommodation provider for those at risk of homelessness. ”
Charlie Cox, Director of At Home in Guernsey, said the island needs emergency accommodation and that’s what St Julian’s House is intended to provide.
“As part of our collective vision to end homelessness in Guernsey it is crucial that there are emergency beds available at St Julian’s. In order to do this, we need to establish strong move-on pathways for individuals that cater for a variety of circumstances. At Home in Guernsey are proud to be working alongside St Julian’s to help existing residents secure long term, secure housing for their future.”
The facility that “time and government has forgotten”
Political responsibility for Guernsey’s only dedicated emergency accommodation shifted after the States decided it needed a new approach in 2024.
With the new Housing Committee later being set up by the States, that is the body now responsible for the facility.
During the December 2024 debate, multiple deputies commented on the run down facilities and suggested that a new property would be better suited to helping the island’s homeless residents.
It was also suggested that the site be sold off and the money invested in buying a less-costly and prominent property elsewhere.
