A REDDITCH charity that has been helping homeless people for more than 40 years continues to go from strength to strength.

The Redditch Friends Housing Association (RFHA) provides affordable housing for homeless people.

It recently took possession of its 50th property, further expanding its role in providing housing to families and young people in need throughout Redditch.

This milestone property now means the charity has 17 houses and 33 flats in the Redditch area, housing 112 individuals.

Jill Davies, managing director, said: “Small-sized providers like RFHA work hard to fill the gap in housing, servicing those who are in dire need but may have an atypical profile."

The group holds its own waiting list and works alongside Redditch Council and other organisations, offering accommodation to people who find it increasingly difficult to afford private rent levels or buy their own home.

Established in 1973, Redditch Friends Housing Association was originally mandated to provide affordable housing just for single parent families and homeless people.

It has since widened its remit to include provision for families and couples.

It aims to encourage residents to find employment and escape from a culture of dependency on state benefits.

Rents are therefore sometimes set at levels below the local maximum housing benefit available for similar accommodation.

Resident Barry Winfield is a single dad who approached RFHA in June 2016, when he found himself homeless after a relationship breakdown.

His situation meant that he was unable to have his two young sons stay with him on a regular basis.

He said: “Redditch Friends Housing Association have been nothing short of amazing. With their support, our lives have been transformed with high-quality housing, giving us the stability and space that we need to make it a home.

"Jill and her team will always have our sincere gratitude.”

For more on the charity, go to redditchfriendsha.co.uk.

The 50th property was made possible thanks to a loan from Triodos Bank, which also provided finance for refurbishment costs.