Case Studies

Palm Cove Society increases its accomodation capacityDecember 18 2007

Palm Cove Society is a social enterprise which provides temporary supported housing for vulnerable women and children. It started with one house with space for three women in October 2007. Within three months it had increased its housing stock to five houses and opened its first house for vulnerable men. However, its first priority remains to provide immediate supported accommodation for women and their accompanying children.

They are unique in this sector providing primary care, guidance and support on lifestyle and health related issues to all its clients in addition to providing accomodation. Palm Cove promotes lifelong learning through collaborative involvement with local training and development facilities. Their clients are encouraged to engage in training and employment and Palm Cove has close relationships with the Light of the World which provides English language training.

In order to be eligible for housing clients must be homeless and the referral has to be made by one of their key partners. Clients are allowed to stay with Palm Cove under licence for 12 months but the majority move on to permanent accommodation after 3 to 6 months.

The friendly and informal atmosphere of its houses has encouraged the engagement of clients in the running of the houses and the development of their own community.

The business will continue to grow in 2008 with another 2 houses expected to be online by the end of January 2008 providing accommodation for up to 24 people. Further expansion will take place throughout the year, with total accommodation capacity expected to reach 30 spaces by summer 2008.

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