Overview of the Organisation
History
Foundation Housing Tai Sylfaen was established as a voluntary organisation in 1984 to provide homes for people in need. The organisation was previously named Shortlife Housing (Cymru) Ltd.
It was established as an independent organisation with charitable status. The main objectives of the organisation are to bring empty homes back into use in the public and private sectors by matching them up with homeless people and others in need.
We also provide support to a range of families and single people who are rebuilding their lives in the local community.
In 2007, we joined the Hendre Group to maximise economies of scale in delivering more efficient and effective services to people with housing and support needs.
In 2009, we were 25 years old and are proud to have played a key role in preventing and alleviating homelessness in 8 Local Authorities during this period.
Unique Position
We are very proud of our unique position of being the only property leasing / management / support provider in the whole of Wales. Hence, we believe we are well placed to capitalise on the provisions contained in the Homelessness Act 2002 and the Welsh Assembly Government's ‘Better Homes' document which contains the National Housing Strategy in Wales. Currently, we are pleased to be providing housing and support services in Cardiff, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Newport and Carmarthen. Whilst these areas remain strategically important to us, nevertheless it is a core aim to work in other Local Authority areas throughout Wales.
Operational Services
Our objectives are to provide a range of integrated accommodation and support services for people who are homeless or at risk of being made homeless. To this end, we have specialised housing and support teams led by experienced Housing and Support Services Managers.
All Finance and Human Resource functions are now undertaken by Hendre Ltd.
Management
FHTS is run by a Board of voluntary members with a wide variety of expertise and management experience.
Besides having governance and strategic responsibilities, FHTS's Board also has fundamental powers in financial management, policy formulation, organisation development and staffing arrangements.
For these purposes, day-by-day management is delegated to a full time Chief Executive who has extensive experience of and is fully qualified in the social housing and management fields.
