What is George Doyley House?
George Doyley House was opened in 1993 to provide a shared accommodation for single homeless African / Caribbean men and women aged 18-25 years old with low support needs.
What are its aims and objectives?
Aims
- To provide temporary accommodation for single homeless African / Caribbean men and women aged 18-25 years in an environment that is suitable, enabling and responsive to their needs
- To provide, within the ethos of the community living an environment in which young people can be encouraged to develop a positive sense of self, and be empowered to become self-reliant and self-assertive
Objectives
- To provide good quality, affordable, shared accommodation for people on low income in need of housing
- To develop and provide a shared house specifically for African / Caribbean young people
- To assist residents to develop practical skills such as budgeting, job search, training and education
- To assist residents deal with personal problems
- To work alongside local authorities, and other agencies to provide permanent accommodation for residents
- To assist residents to deal appropriately with benefit matters
What does the project provide?
For the individual:
- 6 single bedrooms – each room consists of 1 bed with storage drawer, a face basin, built-in wardrobe, 1 chair, 1 table and a set of bedding
- Keys to your room, front and rear doors
In the communal areas:
- 2 kitchens with lockable cupboards for each resident
- 4 toilets (2 downstairs and 2 upstairs)
- 2 bathrooms
- 1 shower unit
- 1 dining room with large table and chairs
- 1 lounge with 3 piece suit and TV
How is the project run?
The project is staffed by a full-time project manager and a part-time support worker working flexible hours to meet the changing needs of residents.
Management and supervision of the project manager is provided by an active committee who work under the auspices of the United Anglo-Caribbean Society (UACS).
The UACS is a charitable body that has other projects in the London borough of Ealing.
The George Doyle House is owned by the Catalyst Communities Housing Association and funded by Supporting People funding.
Who can apply to GDH?
- You must be homeless
- Aged 18-25 years old
- Of African / Caribbean background
- Able to cope independently
- Willing to live with others
- Proactive in finding permanent accommodation
How is the project accessed?
- By referral only – One hundred percent through London Borough of Ealing Gateway or by short stay Hostel like YMCA or local colleges within the borough as long as the client has been assessed by Gateway.
- The referral form will have relevant details of the applicants circumstances to assist GDH in its decision making
How does the project decide who to house?
On receipt of the referral form an interview will be arranged by the project manager and support worker. During the interview the applicant will be assessed for their suitability and also given an opportunity to visit GDH.
After the interview the project manager will decide whether to offer a place to the applicant.
If the applicant is successful, either a bedroom will be offered or the applicant will join the GDH active waiting list.
Applicants interviewed will always be notified of the outcome.
Length of stay at GDH:
- GDH has no permanent housing to offer
- GDH aims to assist each resident to move into permanent accommodation within 1 – 2 years of their stay
- Move on allocations dependent upon housing organisations, the local council and other such bodies
- Successful move-on will involve the full participation of each resident
