About the Organisation
Path – Tackling Homelessness in Plymouth
Path is a leading homelessness charity based in Plymouth, with nearly 30 years of experience supporting the city. In the face of rising homelessness and record numbers in temporary accommodation, the organisation’s work is more vital than ever.
Path supports 80–90 rough sleepers each month and delivers targeted programmes for vulnerable groups, including young people, refugees, and ex-offenders. Its services span street outreach to housing solutions, with over 280 units of temporary and settled housing now offered across the city.
Key Services Provided by Path:
- Rough Sleeping Service: Provides outreach to rough sleepers, intensive support, and Housing First placements for individuals with complex needs.
- Temporary Accommodation: Offers short-term housing with tailored support for single individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Housing Advice: Delivers expert advice to help prevent and resolve homelessness, particularly for those with complex personal circumstances.
- Refugee Programme: Offers bespoke housing and integration support for refugees, including those without access to public funds.
- Offender Support: Assists prison leavers and individuals on probation in securing suitable housing, reducing the risk of homelessness and reoffending.
- Private Rented Access: Supports individuals in accessing and maintaining private tenancies, including deposit guarantees and collaboration with landlords.
- Settled Accommodation: Manages and supports long-term housing solutions through Path-owned properties and its Easylet scheme in partnership with private landlords.
Request details:
After 30 years at the Harwell Centre, Path must relocate due to a significant roof issue. The current lease will not be renewed beyond June, though the organisation can remain on a rolling lease while seeking suitable alternative premises.
This transition presents an exciting opportunity for Path to find more appropriate, accessible space to support its expanding services. The charity aims to introduce regular housing advice drop-in sessions, weekend support for rough sleepers, and emergency overnight shelter during severe weather. Additionally, Path is looking to enhance collaboration through open-plan workspaces and provide larger areas for training, workshops, and staff meetings.
Path has been offered alternative premises at Elspeth Sitters House, 1 Hoegate St, a well-situated 763m² ground-floor property with basement storage. The building features:
- A reception with 6 surrounding meeting rooms and toilets
- A spacious central atrium (11.5×6.5m) intended for staff relaxation
- A disused commercial kitchen (with potential for emergency shelter)
- A large training/workshop room (10.5x7m) featuring a Robert Lenkiewicz mural
- Additional toilet facilities
- Three small offices and a large open-plan back office (14x13m)
To meet service needs, Path plans to reconfigure internal spaces, install a kitchenette, design flexible overnight accommodation, and, if possible, add shower and laundry facilities.
The goal is to complete renovations over the summer and relocate in the autumn.
Therefore the charity is seeking pro bono support around space planning, project management and architectural design to make this innovative concept a reality.
Timeline:
June 2025