Groundbreaking homeless service moves one step closer

The development of a groundbreaking homeless scheme planned for Snow Hill in Birmingham city centre has moved one step closer as a previous customer kick-started work on site.

Andy Hyre, a former customer at Snow Hill, was joined by Nick Byrne, deputy director of new business and development at Midland Heart, and Fraser Mercer, managing director of contractors Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), to start the transformation process, delivering the first blow of the sledge hammer as work started on the £10.7 million development funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Snow Hill offers a pioneering approach to tackling the root cause of homelessness by finding lasting solutions. The scheme will provide 92 apartments along with facilities including training areas, an IT suite and a social enterprise business designed to help individuals develop skills and work experience.

Hyre said: “Staff at the former scheme assisted me to access services which helped to regain my independence giving me the support and confidence I needed to set up my own business.

“I am really excited about the new plans as it will make a great service even better and help more people to beat homelessness for good. I have never looked back and am really pleased to be part of the Snow Hill story.”

Byrne added: “We are currently working with contractors FHM and our partners to move the development on, and today is another step forward to delivering exciting accommodation that will benefit the local area.

“Not only will Snow Hill provide support and accommodation for people who were previously homeless and are now getting back into work or education, but it will also be a great resource for the community, offering affordable homes in the heart of the city.”