Empty properties are being converted to help those struggling with life put a roof over their heads.
Bath charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI) is refurbishing several properties in the city after receiving £119,000 from the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The money has been used by the charity to increase its Empty Homes Scheme, which offers cash grants and interest free loans to finance the refurbishment of empty properties in Bath and north east Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
Finished homes are then rented out through DHI's not-for-profit lettings agency, Home Turf Lettings, which specialises in rentals to the homeless or people threatened with homelessness.
DHI's social enterprise director, Mark Coates, said: "We've all seen those empty buildings that you walk past every day.
"At best they are an annoyance, and at worst they can make the surrounding environment less pleasant to live in.
"With today's economic climate when there's such a need to find decent, affordable housing, we think our Empty Homes Scheme offers a genuine win/win scenario for property owners and local residents alike."
The charity is now about to let the first two homes refurbished using the Government handout.
DHI client Sam, who was previously homeless but now lives in a property refurbished by DHI, praised the scheme.
He said: "The help, advice, support and action provided by DHI has been fantastic throughout.
"I received the keys to my own, new, beautiful home in Bath.
"I have the safety and the security I have dreamt of, and I believe a platform to rebuild my life, to become a valuable and respected citizen, father and son."
DHI is appealing for members of the local community to nominate empty buildings they would like to see refurbished.
Anyone who would like to nominate an empty property should call Mark Coates on 0117 3012560 or email hello@hometurflettings.co.uk.
