Michael House News

Chairman's Column

It was pleasing to report a successful year 2008/2009 at our AGM, both from caring and a financial point of view.

In a year which saw the purchase of No. 50 to increase capacity for carrying out our mission, we still managed to record a useful surplus in spite of the necessary setting up costs.

Sadly I had to report clouds on the financial horizon as supporting people indicated that they do not intend to review our contract at year end.

However due to the generosity of one of our long standing friends, The Unitarian Church of Bournemouth and Poole and a kind Lady from Night shelter days, we received both a substantial donation and legacy which will provide us with breathing space to repair the substantial gap in our annual income.

We still look forward with hope to 2010 which in addition being Bournemouth's bicentenary year also sees the tenth birthday of Michael House. This will provide an opportunity to raise the profile of Michaels as of necessity as it returns to its roots again as a community charity. The occasion presents itself to officially open and name No. 50 as Drummond Wolff House after one of our founders of 20^th century Boscombe [on which land our three Houses were built] coinciding with the launch of the 'streets of Bournemouth' bicentenary project. You could say that Michaels will be putting a little bit of local history back into Boscombe reviving the memory of one of its most worthy citizens.

Sir Henry Drummond Wolff rose from a clerk at the foreign office to lead various missions abroad. Created KCMG, He served as MP for Christchurch 1874-1880 and Portsmouth 1880-1885. A prominent member of Randolph Churchill's fourth party, He was co founder of the primrose league. He was Queen Victoria's Ambassador to the court of Spain 1892-1900 He built villas, laid out Boscombe pleasure gardens and many streets that bear the name of His family and parliamentary colleagues to this day.

Michael House welcomed its 400^th resident in November 2009.

John Coulston, Chairman.

Words from the Manager

[Year ending 2009]

It is difficult to believe that another year has gone by at Michael House; many people have come into the house this year seeking a safe place to live.
After their stay here many make homes for themselves, while some return to their families. People come to Michael House in differing circumstances, some with little or no hope for the future and desperate for a warm safe place to stay with the benefit of the opportunity of a foundation to put their lives in order. This is the main aim of Michael House, helping people to rebuild their lives.

During 2009 we had 72 new residents come through our doors, some of these are self referrals others coming through agencies such as: Bournemouth Housing and Bournemouth borough Council, Bournemouth Y.M.C.A, Shelter, st. Pauls Lane, Dorset Reclaim, Connexions, BCHA, DKB, Probation services, Salvation Army, and Local Churches.

During this year 24 residents have gained full time employment and are now self supporting financially, 8 residents have attended various college courses in and around Bournemouth. 11 residents have been involved in voluntary work in the local area.

There is a lot work and activities going on behind the scenes at Michael House to enable the project to run efficiently, with input from residents as well as Staff.

Over the last year we have had a lot of support from residents helping with the upkeep of the garden, day to day cleaning tasks and other general upkeep activities.

We thank you for your support and pray that we can make a difference to the lives of the victims of the cruel streets of Bournemouth.

Jim White, Manager