Mission – To provide short term accommodation and Direct Access for 33 adults with a range of needs in a safe and supportive environment, enabling them to make life changes and move on to successful independent living.

Damascus House is a short-term Supported Housing project for homeless vulnerable adults.  Staff and volunteers provide 24-hour support to up to 33 adults (men, women and couples) with a variety of complex needs, including mental health issues, homelessness and substance dependency.  Each service user is assigned a Key Worker who will help them draw up a Personal Support Plan based on their individual needs.  Key Workers will also signpost clients to other appropriate services and agencies.  Staff can provide life skills training where necessary. 

Direct Access – In January 2006 we joined forces with Salisbury District Council and introduced a Direct Access Scheme.  Seven of the rooms at Damascus House are now designated as 28-Day Direct Access Accommodation.  This means that, providing we have a vacancy, people who find themselves homeless can access one of the seven rooms without having to wait for references.  They can stay for up to 28 days whilst their housing needs are assessed.  Even if they do not meet the criteria to be offered a longer-term room at Damascus House, it is somewhere to stay whilst they find an alternative.

Outcomes for clients:

1. Improved skills and confidence enabling them to move-on to independent living.
2. The ability to build constructive and positive relationships within the community.
3. Increased awareness of personal responsibility around safety and security.
4. Enjoying, identifying and pursuing their aspirations through training, education, employment and hobbies.
5. An increased awareness around physical and mental well-being.