Aztec House

Aztec House provides single accommodation for both males and females who have been, or are at risk of being homeless for longer periods.

Typically residents would have experienced long periods of homelessness ,including rough sleeping, and will have complex health, addiction or mental health needs.

Aztec House forms part of a complex of buildings which also house our emergency accommodation and the Drunk & Incapable Unit. A building adjacent to our emergency facility was purchased with a donation from the J.N Sommer Charitable Trust and opened in October 2004.

The buildings within the complex effectively operate as one building now, which is known as Aztec House.

Purpose

To provide safe, high-support, longer-term accommodation for homeless adults.

Accommodation

22 persons (single occupancy). Staff on duty 24hrs. Dining, bathroom and laundry facilities are shared. There are limited facilities for disabled residents. There is an accommodation charge.

Services

Assessment, key working, advocacy, supported access to services (housing, health, drug and alcohol, counselling, mental health, community bank), employment and training advice, meals, laundry.

Access

Referral by individual or agency.

Prior to the opening of Aztec House, many of the residents would have lived between emergency accommodation (claiming a bed by the night) and rough sleeping; some for many years. Aztec House allowed Shelter to provide some security to some extremely vulnerable men and women.

Meals are provided in the communal dining room, and residents have the use of two communal lounge areas, which have televisions.

A computer with internet access is available to assist with work and flat hunting.

Residents have dedicated keyworkers with whom they work to address their support needs. Keyworkers will always promote moving on to more suitable accommodation where that is an achievable option.

The Garden

The residents have use of the courtyard garden,which with donated plants and furniture and by their own labour, they have created a beautiful and peaceful place to relax and let the worries of the world pass by.

The garden project was organised as part of our ‘meaningful activities’ programme where staff and residents get together and organise activities that are both meaningful and hopefully enjoyable.

The courtyard garden is a great addition to our facilities at Aztec House.