Video: New temporary accommodation for homeless arrives in Wrexham

A trio of modular homes to provide temporary accommodation and “give support to those who need it most” have been installed in Wrexham.

In March 2018 Wrexham.com reported that members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee had unanimously supported proposals to site a number of the modular homes at the rear of Tŷ Nos night shelter for use as accommodation for homeless people.

It is hoped that the modular homes will act as a ‘stepping stone’ to help people who are involved in some sort of long-term recovery – either on their way back to getting a long-term tenancy, or as they receive support for addiction or health.

Today saw the much anticipated arrival of the new modular homes, with delivery taking place earlier this morning. They will be used by the council’s Housing Options service to help people who might be homeless or need supporting into recovery.

Made from former shipping containers the units are similar size (and much better quality) to static caravans – containing an open plan proper kitchen and seating space, bathroom and bedroom.

Three of the units will be used as accommodation under a licence agreement with the service users living at them.

The aim is to provide some stable, private accommodation for those in need while they look to get in to further, longer-term support. It is hoped those who stay in the modular units will eventually be able to move into full time accommodation.

A fourth unit it also based on the site, which will only be used when the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol – or SWEP – is activated.

Although located at the rear of Tŷ Nos night shelter on Holt Road, the units aren’t being operated by Pennaf who operate the night shelter.

The project itself is being run by Wrexham Council and is amongst the first in the UK to take place, and we are told it is the first in Wales.

We spoke with Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council at the site this morning, you can view the delivery of the units, inside them, plus his comments below…