Cross Keys Homes was thrilled to be invited to a visit from HRH Duke of Cambridge to the Garden House on 16 July. We have been an active partner with Safer of the Streets and the Garden House project since its inception in October 2018. Our temporary accommodation and self-contained short stay accommodation equates to almost 50% of the overall temporary accommodation that the city of Peterborough delivers. In addition, we also provide a full time floating support worker who works with the Garden House to support rough sleepers and help them transition to a permanent home. A key part of this is helping people to access services that can support them to manage health, finances, dependencies and any social and behavioural factors that may affect their well-being and ability to maintain their tenancy.

Chief Executive, Claire Higgins, said: “It was an honour for Cross Keys Homes to be invited to the royal visit and a recognition of our work in supporting rough sleepers to make life changing decisions by not only providing homes but support throughout their tenancy when they need it most. At the start of the pandemic we launched our £1m ‘Be Kind’ fund to assist vulnerable residents with practical help and we know this has been a godsend for new tenants who have not been able to afford the basic things like white goods, home furniture and practical help to support them. We’ve always been more than just a landlord and we will continue to work with Safer off the Streets and the Garden House to support these vital projects.”

Ali Manji, Service Manager, said: “The Duke of Cambridge spent a long time speaking individually to the clients who use the Garden House, listening attentively to their personal stories and commending them for their efforts. He spoke to each of us in turn as well allowing us to share our contributions and inform him of the challenges we face in supporting the most vulnerable and managing the high demand for social housing. The Duke’s genuine interest and passion for rough sleepers was felt by us all and we were all left with the warm feeling that rough sleepers have a friend in high places to advocate for them.”