An ‘Outstanding’ home for the homeless
Edward Gibbons House, a home for men who have previously lived on the streets for many years, has been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.
Run by Providence Row Housing Association (PRHA), the home in E2 offers a safe shelter, regular meals and caring staff to help residents overcome traumatic pasts. For many of the residents, life experiences have taken a heavy toll on their physical and mental health. Most arrive with addiction issues.
Funded by the council, staff support residents to recover by accessing relevant services such as visits to a GP or Nurse, helping them to stabilise, build self-confidence and develop a sense of purpose.
In 2018 the building was refurbished with funding from the Greater London Authority Homelessness Change Programme – new medical rooms, a training space, IT Suite and a life skills kitchen were added. These improvements have made an immense difference to residents, who can now learn to cook for themselves and also take part in training sessions on a wide range of topics. This helps support residents to become independent to avoid becoming homeless again. Residents also participate in running the scheme. They maintain the schemes garden, publish their own newsletter regularly, help to support each other through PRHA’s Peer-Mentoring scheme and run the daily Lunch Club. Residents also take part in staff meetings to offer their perspective on how things are running and are involved in staff recruitment.
Laing Buisson Award 2019 Winner ‘Supported Living’
In November 2019 Edward Gibbons House won the Laing Buisson Award for ‘Supported Living’ services provided by PRHA at the scheme.
Yet another testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff in trying to provide residents with better lives through proper support and care.
Housing Heroes Award 2021 ‘Support and care team of the year’
PRHA are delighted to have won the Housing Heroes Award for ‘support & care team of the year’ 2021. 
The award is recognised at national level and is a fitting tribute to all of our front line care teams, who have gone above and beyond in keeping our residents safe and supported during the pandemic.
The award is dedicated to them.
James’s story
“I couldn’t see how I will ever be able to rebuild my life again at my age, I felt so hopeless and helpless. I thank you all for your support”
James was nearly 50 when he became homeless and started to sleep on the streets. He moved around a lot but after 5 years moved into PRHA. He started to build a good relationship with his support workers & has addressed the alcohol and anger issues that had stopped him being rehoused in the past. His health has improved through exercise and he is looking forward to working in the construction industry again.
Robert’s story
Robert had been in care and then rough sleeping for most of his life. Initially he mistrusted staff & didn’t build relationships with them. Following an interest in art he started to engage with the activities programmes run on-site by PRHA’s sister charity, Providence Row. As his confidence grew he was able to take on a role volunteering with a Premier League youth club as an assistant football coach.
