During 2008/9 Signposts purchased premises in Houghton Regis. After many months of building and refurbishment the hostel, accommodating 8 residents, opened in May 2009.

These premises create facilities to meet the growing needs of the homeless people in our area. This new hostel does not solve all the capacity problems in this area but it enhances Signposts ability to offer support to those in greatest need.

Rotary’s involvement came when we asked Signposts for a “wish list” of items in respect of fitting out the hostel accommodation. – it was a long list and a budget of £2,000 was allocated.

After a meeting with Signposts, Dave Earye and Mary Morris set off to purchase the items requested. Wilkinsons in Luton provided a “personal shopper” to assist us and armed with 6 large trolleys and two very large cage trolleys we pushed and fumbled our way around the store filling trolley after trolley with kitchen appliances, bedroom and bathroom items as well as a lounge mirror, clock, lamp and garden tools.

After a further visit to Tesco for 9 kettles a hoover and a lawnmower, the list was completed.Both cars were full to bursting, but we managed to deliver all these items to Houghton Regis in good time for the official opening in May.

The new Hostel is named Holland House. This is in memory of Trevor Holland a trustee and a Rotarian who sadly died last year.

Our Rotary Club members were invited to view Holland House on the 6th May and President Jean, Mary and Dave were invited to the official opening of Holland House on the 20th May 2009, where we met some very enthusiastic and grateful residents. Any more good news……. yes, we were UNDER BUDGET!!!!!!

Mary Morris June 2009