Manual VisionVent Integrated Into a Move-On House For Those Experiencing Homelessness With The CRASH Charity

Man working on the garden of a small charity building with a white extension

One project Glazing Vision supported CRASH with was the redevelopment of a move-on house for formely homless people, located in South London. CRASH was approached by The Kairos Community Trust to help with the redevelopment where the aim was to create a new kitchen/diner, bathrooms, counselling rooms and group therapy rooms.

Kairos Community Trust, a dedicated organisation addressing homelessness and addiction, emphasises the importance of providing a safe and stable home as the starting point for recovery. They assist homeless individuals struggling with substance abuse through their abstinence-support hostel, rehabilitation programs, and a network of 29 supported move-on houses in London. These move-on houses play a critical role in transitioning people from homelessness to independent living.

two men in Glazing Renovations branded hi-viz jackets lifting a roofligh ready for installation

Jon Shooter (Managing Director) visited the project and recognised the immediate necessity for assistance. There was a leakage problem in the kitchen area and the kitchen needed ventilation so the residents could let out heat or steam from cooking. Therefore, Jon Shooter had proposed a hinged roof light , and recommended the Manual VisionVent as a good solution.

“CRASH is the recognised charity for the construction industry. We took part in the project so that we could offer our products and our skills and knowledge in construction. It’s a great charity run by very passionate people who make great use of the resources that they have.” – Jon Shooter, Managing Director at Glazing Vision.

men in hi-viz jackets and work wear installing a Flushglaze rooflight on a flat rooftop

The Manual VisionVent is a great choice as the easy maintenance, weatherproofing and ventilation are key features of a frequently used rooflight with an operable design. In a generous gesture, the new rooflight was extended to Kairos Community Trust, via CRASH and Glazing Vision, at a substantially discounted rate, including a favourable service rate courtesy of our sister company, Glazing Renovations. This not only effectively resolved the leakage issue but also significantly elevated the kitchen’s waterproofing, thereby enhancing the overall comfort and quality of life for Kairos residents. Furthermore, it proved to be an invaluable asset in maintaining the home’s upkeep, thanks to the ventilation capabilities offered by the Manual VisionVent.

two men standing under a rooflight using a manual crank handle

“The Kairos property at Nunhead Lane has been transformed into a comfortable, safe home, to a standard which exudes welcome and respect for the six residents with complex needs who live there. With the help of CRASH we have maximised the potential of the house and honoured the integrity of the exterior in keepingwith this conservation area. This building is a great asset to the charity and gives me great joy and pride. Thanks, CRASH, for your generous help.” – Mossie Lyons, Director at Kairos Community Turst.

Communal kitchen in office space with a modern black set of table and chairs, rooflight installed

The new rooflight didn’t only solve the leakage problem but provided light, air and space to the move-on home. Light coming from the rooflight will now flood one of the most social areas of the home and be inviting to any residents needing a place to call home. This fresh start for the home mirrors the opportunity to its residents and gives them assurance that situations can improve and be better in the future with the help of the Kairos team.