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What My New Home Means To Me: Sarah's Story

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The Women In Safe Homes Fund's Social Impact Report 2022/23

The Women in Safe Homes fund is proud to already be providing safe, decent homes for over 120 women and children. They had all been facing housing crisis because of their circumstances; some had been experiencing domestic abuse and some had left the criminal justice system without suitable housing to go to.

The fund – a joint venture between Resonance and Patron Capital – is working with nine expert housing partners across the UK and has so far refurbished, made energy efficient and handed forty-three homes over to them. As well as providing women with the right home for their needs, housing partners are also providing women with wraparound support to help them recover and heal from traumas, mental and physical health issues and to help them become empowered so they can start rebuilding their lives.

One of the fund’s tenants is Sarah. She is being housed and supported by Safer Places, that’s providing safe homes for women in crisis and high-risk situations.

This is Sarah’s story

“I was raised in Nigeria, West Africa, and had been living in Hertfordshire before coming here where I worked in a home as a live-in carer; I hope to do this again.

I was in a domestic abusive relationship and didn't know of a way out, as I have never applied for benefits and didn't know of the support I could access. I left the home I shared with my partner and went to stay with a friend. The police referred me to the refuge. Before coming here my situation was really getting me down, I’d lost motivation.

When I first moved in (to my new home) I was surprised how nice it was. It felt peaceful being in the flat.

I am able to make plans for the future and am able to go out when I want to and have things in my room, able to make my own decisions.

My new home has helped me to have peace of mind and I have consistency and structure with my days. Since moving into the flat I do not feel as hopeless as when I first moved in. I have made new friends and am getting to know the area.

The support I’ve received has been very important. I feel I don't have to do it all on my own, as I don't know what I am doing. My support worker is very good at listening and explains everything clearly. I didn't know places like this existed.

My new home means that I have had the time to think of where I want to settle and given me the confidence to move forward with my life, I feel my eyes are wide open. I feel more human.”

Read the Women in Safe Homes fund’s Social impact Report 2022/23 here and the positive impact it is already having on the women it is housing, and the partners it is working with, including:

  • 120 women and children housed
  • 43 homes handed over to housing partners
  • 9 housing partners
  • £29m raised
  • 20 impact investors
  • 91.5% of women reported positive impact on their wellbeing and life outcomes
  • 87% of women agreed or strongly agreed that they felt safe in their home
  • 83% of women reported improved mental health since living in their home

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*Sarah's name has been changed / stock image used 

Louise Swinden

Property Fund Manager

Resonance Limited is a company registered in England and Wales no. 04418625

Resonance Impact Investment Limited, a subsidiary of Resonance Limited, is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Firm number 588462.

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