We've taken on M25 Housing & Support Group

EXCITING plans to bring services provided by Doncaster homeless charity M25 Housing & Support Group into Ongo Homes have been announced.

The move secures the long-term future of the charity work and builds on the range of specialist housing support offered by us.

In October 2017, we will take over the ownership and management of M25’s assets, including 13 properties in Doncaster which provide homes for up to 50 homeless people.

The nine employees currently working for M25 will transfer to us.

Steve Hepworth, Deputy Chief Executive of Ongo, said the move increases the type of support that Ongo Homes can offer to those in most housing need and hasn’t ruled out expanding services into North Lincolnshire.

“The opportunity to work with the staff from M25 and build on their success in supporting homeless people is one which fits with our social purpose and increases the range of housing services we can provide.

“Accommodation and support for homeless people isn’t something we have previously been able to offer. By increasing our experience in this area, and bringing new people into our team, we hope it may open up the potential to extend the service beyond Doncaster and into North Lincolnshire.”

The decision has also been welcomed by Joyce Foster, Executive Director of M25 Housing and Support Group, who said that despite the number of people affected by homelessness growing at an alarming rate, further increases were expected at Universal Credit is rolled out.

“This is a new chapter in the story of M25 and our match with Ongo Homes could not have come at a better time for us both,” she said.

“Everyone at M25 is really excited about the opportunity to spread our success. We have spent two years learning with, and from, those we support in Doncaster.

“It will be our continued commitment that will help Ongo Homes and M25 services achieve success.”