[27.06.08] Having been closed for 6 weeks following a fire, Hosford House reopened on 7th May. Fortunately no-one was injured but the upstairs accommodation suffered extensive smoke and water damage. We are glad to be back to normal after a dramatic and stressful time and are grateful to everyone who offered support during this period.
[22.04.08] A blaze broke out in Hosford House, East Belfast Mission’s homeless hostel on the Newtownards Road. The Fire and Rescue Service were called at about 5pm on Sunday. The building has sustained extensive smoke and water damage, but the fire officers did manage to stop the fire spreading to other properties.
Dave Newman, the Director of Hosford House said “Hosford regularly houses 22 people who are experiencing homelessness. For a period of time Hosford is their home. This appears to be a tragic incident that thankfully did not result in the loss of life.”
One resident escaped the fire by jumping from an upper floor window, and was lucky to avoid serious injury.
Mark Houston, Mission Director said “We wish to thank the Fire Brigade, PSNI and Red Cross teams who dealt with the difficulties yesterday’s fire presented. And pay tribute to our Hosford House Staff who managed an immensely difficult situation with admirable courage and professionalism. They responded very professionally and all residents were evacuated from the premises safely.”
“Our staff team coped brilliantly in firstly ensuring the safety of the residents of Hosford House and secondly placing them safely in other accommodation, albeit temporarily.
Unfortunately some residents were not able to be placed locally due to the lack of hostel places,” Dave Newman, Director of Hosford House.
The extent of the damage to Hosford House will be assessed by our insurers and we expect to reopen as soon as repairs are made.
Even today, as the charred remains of Hosford’s rooms are being assessed by the joint management partners Oaklee Housing, past residents of Hosford House came to the Mission to see how they could help.
The remainder of EBM’s premises are unaffected and we are open for business as usual.
[31.03.08] The Skainos Project, East Belfast Mission's landmark regeneration project, has secured £5.4 million from DSD.
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie announced DSD's support of this two acre regeneration project during her visit to East Belfast Mission.
Representatives of the Skainos Project met the Minister to show her the scope and plans for transforming derelict areas on the Lower Newtownards Road in Belfast.
Minister Ritchie said: “The Skainos Project provides a significant opportunity to reinvigorate and revive this area. The ambitious proposals have the potential to alleviate the high levels of dereliction along what was historically one of Belfast’s main shopping thoroughfares.”
The new facility will effectively create an ‘urban village’ integrating people of all ages and backgrounds; providing care and developmental support for children, families, young people, people who are homeless or unemployed, and the elderly. It will contribute to the economic life of the community through increased employment opportunities on the street, which is a main arterial route for Belfast.
Planning to open in spring 2010, this brand new, state of the art facility, brilliantly designed and open to all will be a complete new addition to the Lower Newtownards Road. Visible and stunning, the Skainos Building will contrast the many bricked up or chronically shuttered storefronts, which showcase along the road. The intention is that this 12,000 square-meter flagship facility will catalyse development along the arterial route, renewing one of the most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland and enhancing the image of the entire area.
The Minister went on to say: “I am confident that the delivery of this development will inspire confidence in both the local community and the private sector. Skainos and their various partners are to be congratulated on their innovative plans and I wish them every success as they move forward.”
Why not visit our website www.skainos.org to keep informed of the progress of the Skainos Project?
[19.03.08] This morning Her Majesty The Queen heard about our £20m regeneration programme, ‘Skainos’ and how it will regenerate the heart of East Belfast.
During the first engagement on the second day of a visit to Northern Ireland, HM The Queen accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and The Right Honourable Shaun Woodward MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, arrived at East Belfast Mission and was greeted by The Lady Carswell, The Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, before being presented to The Mission’s Superintendent, Reverend Dr Gary Mason MBE, and Director, Mr Mark Houston.
Touring the Mission, Her Majesty, accompanied by The Reverend Mason, met many of the parents and children in the Mother’s and Toddler’s Group, while His Royal Highness met a number of local people who regularly use the Mission Café.
In the Church, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were welcomed by around 350 of the Mission’s congregation and Her Majesty was invited by The Reverend Mason to unveil a plaque and sign the visitors’ book to commemorate the visit.
A gift of a photograph of a local scene, taken by Guy Poland, was presented to Her Majesty by Mrs Linda Watson who has worked as a volunteer in the Mission for over 25 years
His Royal Highness accepted a gift of two local history books presented by eight year old, Lorna McLaughlin and Adam Manley.
Outside the Mission, several hundred guests and well-wishers gathered to wave farewell. The engagement came to a close when Her Majesty accepted a posy of flowers from six year old Erin Dawson.
