CHAT, the Churches Housing Action Team, has officially launched new premises – a Mid Devon Hub for Housing Help, based in Coggan’s Well House, Tiverton.

More than 100 people from Mid Devon, including some who have been helped by CHAT, created a real “buzz” at the event, contributing to the happy, purposeful atmosphere.

Delicious canapés and drinks, courtesy of Tiverton Sausage Company and some friends of CHAT, were in plentiful supply. Visitors had tours of the new Hub building, later hearing from Chair of Trustees, Cath Candish why a Hub is needed. Sally Chapman, Honorary President, explained why she started CHAT 22-years ago and, with dismay, spoke about the current levels of homelessness being the worst for 20 years.

David Fursdon, Lord Lieutenant of Devon, spoke about his role and that of the voluntary sector in Devon.

CHAT works throughout the whole of the Mid Devon area to prevent and relieve homelessness.

Ruth Morley, CHAT community development officer, said: “Being homeless, or threatened with homelessness, is exhausting.

“You can find yourself referred from one office or source of help to another, at a time in your life when just meeting appointments can be really challenging.

“CHAT wants the new premises to be a place where people can access services under one roof, not being pushed from pillar to post, where we can offer new facilities and provide a warm welcome to all our clients.

“Providing CHAT’s services with no statutory funding is always a challenge. The most effective way to support our work and help us plan for the future is to become a Giver of Hope.

“Homelessness in our area is very likely to rise further with the roll-out of Universal Credit and the minimum five-week wait for any funds.

“If even half of the people reading this article could commit to giving CHAT £10 a month, our work would be secure and could expand to provide services that are so desperately needed.”

Contact CHAT on 01884 255606 if you would like to know more.

Alan Quick