Douzaine support for emergency sleep pods is welcomed

The announcement of the parish's involvement was made by local homeless charity Caritas after the Vale Douzaine unanimously offered its support for the initiative, which is designed to give those without accommodation a safe place to sleep.

The charity has submitted a formal planning application to site some of its emergency pods on land owned by the douzaine at its Maritaine Road offices. 

The hope is that the pods can be made available in time for the winter and are needed because of the growing problems of too many people in Guernsey currently without a safe place to sleep. This particularly affects younger islanders but includes those sofa surfing, to individuals staying in vehicles or sleeping rough.

The Vale Douzaine offered to support the project, and said it recognised the benefit of a well-managed initiative located in a low-traffic area of its car park.

"The constables and douzaine of the Vale believe this initiative is a valuable and meaningful response to homelessness in Guernsey," a spokesman said. "We fully support the project and are pleased that our grounds can be used to help provide immediate, practical support to those in need."

Caritas Guernsey chairman Graham Merfield said he hoped people would support the project and not disapprove of it. 

"We’re hoping that we won’t have objections, but part of the reason for publicising the plans is to be upfront and transparent," he said. "The douzaine have obviously been very supportive, so I hope the rest of the community will want to do something to help alleviate the housing issues, and get behind the plans."

Off grid
The emergency pods, pictured, are compact, solar-powered units that are secure, self-contained and designed to provide dignity and protection in moments of crisis. They have no need for mains services, and each one includes:

• A lockable door for security
• Solar panels for lighting and phone charging
• A chemical toilet
• Insulated interior for warmth and comfort

They have already been successfully used in UK cities such as Sheffield to offer a lifeline to individuals without housing.