One year ago, Cambridge homeless charity, ITAC Community Land Trust (ITAC-CLT), held the official opening of Joy’s Corner, a small community of four modular homes, for local people who’ve experienced homelessness. The first resident moved in on 16 December 2024, with the four pods being fully occupied by the end of February 2025.
Chris Jenkin, Chairman, said “What a milestone; Joy’s Corner was our inaugural project, which meant we encountered a number of challenges, and so it was a wonderful moment to host the official opening, although I can’t quite believe it was a year ago.
“We couldn’t have done it without the support and generosity of a number of local organisations and companies, who provided their services at discounted rates, or even pro-bono. I would also like to thank modular home builder New Meaning Foundation. It shows just what can be achieved when we come together like this.”
Joy’s Corner is in the Queen Edith neighbourhood of Cambridge and the community has provided a warm welcome to the residents at Joy’s Corner. There were some initial reservations but engagement with the local community is a key priority for ITAC-CLT, and will continue to be when new sites are announced.
A key part of the success of Joy’s Corner is due to practical and emotional support provided to the residents by partner charity It Takes A City’s (ITAC) Survive and Thrive team.
Chris Dade, ITAC Support Services Manager, is proud of the work being done “Joy’s Corner is giving a next step for those wanting to move on and are ready for a degree of independence. The homes look great and it is wonderful witnessing the emotional response when they first get to see around their new home.”
Chris continued “It has been a learning process and it’s not been completely smooth sailing. People who are homeless face many challenges including trauma, poverty, addiction, abuse, time spent in prison, and mental health issues but we believe that nobody should face these problems alone.”
Providing more modular homes for local people who’ve experienced homelessness makes a real difference to people’s lives, including one resident at Joy’s Corner who told us:
“It has boosted my confidence and allowed me to start to make positive changes in my life. Being in a new space, with support in place, the whole ethos of the project is very forward thinking and sustainable.
“This form of housing has made all the difference. From going from the hostel to here is like going into the best recovery camp. I feel very lucky to have been chosen for something like this and cannot speak more highly of it!”
