Equans backs homeless charity renovation

A Sunderland-based homelessness drop-in centre has been transformed thanks to a major renovation project.

Equans, a specialist in energy, services and regeneration, has delivered over £8,000 of social value activity to upgrade facilities at Park Road Church, home to homeless charity Oasis Community Housing’s drop-in centre.

The centre, known locally as 'The Basis' and providing essential services to individuals facing housing crises, now features a refurbished shower and washroom designed and project-managed by Equans.

Opened in 2018, the drop-in centre has seen increasing demand due to rising costs and socio-economic challenges. 

Equans approached the charity while working on a nearby project and provided their expertise free of charge, partnering with Isoler for the construction and plumbing work.

Dave Cawley, who runs the drop-in centre that is open from Monday to Friday, said: “The shower at our drop-in might be the only chance people have to get warm; a lifeline this winter. 

“About 100 people use the shower and get a fresh set of clothes every month, while accessing support at the drop-in. But the shower room was in great need of renovation.

“We are so grateful for the skilled and committed people at Equans and Isoler, who have delivered a brilliant new shower room.

“It may seem a small thing to some, but getting warm and feeling clean is a massive thing to the people we support – who are all blown away by the quality of their new facilities. 

“We want everyone to leave the drop-in feeling in a better place than when they arrived, mentally and physically. This will have a huge impact on the lives of hundreds of people who come to us at the drop-in.”

Laura Bains, social value manager at Equans, added: “We were aware that Sunderland City Centre had seen an increase in homelessness over recent years and wanted to do some targeted social value activities to help local people who found themselves in this situation. 

“We were introduced to Oasis Community Housing who told us about the need to renovate their shower room, which aligned with the skills and expertise and were happy to be able to help out and give back to the community.”

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