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Emergency accommodation for homeless arrives in Guernsey

Two sleeping pods are being installed at the Vale Douzaine.

As the Guernsey homelessness charity Caritas continues to seek the funding and space needed to build a modular housing community, progress is being made on providing short-term support for people currently sleeping in cars or sofa-surfing.

Today (18 November), two emergency sleeping pods, created by the UK charity Amazing Grace Spaces and funded by Northern Trust, are being installed at the Vale Douzaine Rooms.

Designed to offer safe, temporary accommodation, the pods are about the size of a small garden shed.

Each includes a bed, interior lighting, a phone-charging point, and a chemical toilet and is solar-powered.

Chair of Caritas Graham Merfield says the pods will be a 'vital lifeline' to the homeless, as winter approaches.

“This is a hugely important moment for us as we take another step towards offering practical help to people without secure accommodation in Guernsey.

"The pods are not a final answer to homelessness, but they will provide immediate shelter and dignity in times of crisis.

"We are deeply grateful to Northern Trust, the Vale Douzaine and Amazing Grace Spaces for their support in making this possible.”

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