A CHARITY which tackles homelessness is expanding into affordable housing – and those who provided accommodation for people in need in centuries past at the same time.

Durham Action on Single Housing (DASH), which was founded almost 50 years ago, specialises in providing accommodation and support for people at risk of homelessness.

Now the charity has founded Kepier Homes, which will offer affordable, general needs housing.

Kepier will build or redevelop properties to provide affordable homes for families or single people across County Durham.

The launch of DASH’s development arm comes after the charity achieved ‘Registered Provider of Social Housing’ status with Homes England in March 2020.

Its first venture is to extend DASH’s headquarters to create self-contained flats for affordable rent.

DASH has been based at Hudson House, formerly the Lord Gort pub, in Gilesgate, Durham City, since 2017.

Part of the existing building will also be converted, allowing a total of four, one-bedroom flats to be established.

Work starts on site on Monday, November 16.

The name Kepier Homes was chosen for the new arm of the charity to pay tribute to the former Kepier Hospital, a medieval hospital and almshouse for the poor.

Kepier Hospital was founded at Gilesgate by Bishop of Durham Ranulf Flambard in 1112AD before being refounded at Kepier, next to the River Wear, by Bishop Hugh le Puiset around 1180.

It hosted Edward I during one of his journeys north, but was dissolved by Henry VIII.

The hospital gatehouse remains standing.

Les Punton, chairman of DASH’s trustees, said: “We are very excited to be launching Kepier Homes.

"We know from our work supporting people at risk of homelessness that there is also a great need for more affordable housing in our local communities.

“Our expansion into general needs affordable housing, and the launch of Kepier Homes, is a natural progression for us.

"We look forward to offering the flats at Hudson House early in the new year and other properties in the near future.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has presented us with many challenges, as it has for so many. But we are extremely pleased that during 2020 we have been able to achieve Registered Provider of Social Housing status and establish Kepier Homes on a very promising footing.

“We could not do any of this without our fantastic staff, trustees, volunteers and partners and we are very grateful for everyone’s ongoing support and dedication.”

DASH is currently recruiting for new trustees and more volunteers. For more information about this or about any aspect of DASH’s work, visit dashorg.co.uk