Press releases 2007

Alabaré Christian Care Centres the proud new owners of Lazarus House.

11th April 2007

Alabaré Christian Care Centres has secured the future of its Lazarus House project in Bristol, after becoming the property’s official owners.

Lazarus House, which opened in 2003, offers Supported Housing to single male ex-offenders who are making the transition from prison life to life in the community. 

Originally the building was leased, but thanks to substantial fundraising efforts from Alabaré staff and generous grants from a number trusts, the charity was able to buy the property.  On 31st March 2007 Alabaré Christian Care Centres completed on the purchase of Lazarus House.

Securing the future of this vital service couldn’t have come at a better time - the Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) has called for better housing services for ex-prisoners.  They carried out a survey and found that thousands of ex-offenders face homelessness on their release from prison because of a lack of adequate support and advice. The CAB wants to see prisoners better prepared for their release – help with claiming benefits, setting up bank accounts and finding somewhere to live.

Lazarus House provides a safe and secure home and offers a planned programme of support and practical assistance tailored to the needs of each resident.  Support plans can include life skills, relapse prevention, and education and employment training.

Alabaré Christian Care Centres Chief Executive Andrew Lord said, “I am delighted that we have finally completed on the purchase of Lazarus House. Owning the property means that we can carry on providing what is an essential service for men in the Bristol area.”

“The CAB has recently hit out at the lack of housing support for ex-prisoners, our purchase of Lazarus House shows how committed Alabaré Christian Care Centres is to helping ex-offenders make that difficult transition from life in prison to life within the community.”

“I would like to thank everyone who responded to our Lazarus appeal with generous donations and pledges, without which we wouldn’t have been able to make the purchase.”

-Ends-

For more information or to arrange an interview call Lara Higgins on 01722 344484

Notes to Editors

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.

www.alabare.co.uk

See below link for full CAB article.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/locked_out_full_report_text_final-2.pdf