A local homeless charity has launched a development in County Clare to support young people leaving state care.

Homeless Care CLG agreed a contract with Clearly Doyle Construction to convert Jigginstown House in Bundle of Sticks, Naas, into 12 apartments and extend a farmhouse building for a new communal centre.

Homeless Care CLG is a charity founded by local business people in 2014, following an appeal on national radio by a Naas-based social care worker to help young adults leaving State care at the age of 18, and at risk of homelessness. The goal of the charity is to offer supported living accommodation and to teach life skills that will help young people aged 18 to 25 to progress to independent living.

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With funding approval through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), Homeless Care CLG purchased Jigginstown House in September 2016. Following surveying and an additional application, further CAS funding was applied for and approved in May 2017.

The centre will comprise 12, 40-sq m apartments in outbuildings with a farmhouse consisting of reception, kitchen, meeting rooms and a communal room, as well as accommodation for two social care workers.

John Cradock, Chairman, Homeless Care CLG and Managing Director, John Cradock Ltd, said: "While it has been a complex journey, the clear vision remains, which is to help some of the most vulnerable in our community in a caring, kind and supportive environment.

"Homeless Care CLG is also grateful to the CIF for its offer of support for the project with the refurbishment and extension of the farmhouse, which is not part of the funding allocation from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government."

On completion, Homeless Care CLG will grant a license to an established homeless care charity for the management and running of the facility.

(CM/JG)