Sam was a young housing officer back in 1996 and shares her memories of The Whitechapel Centre.
“I remember my first introduction to David Carter - he was setting up the supporter housing project and looking for good accommodation in good neighbourhoods. At that time housing associations were a little reluctant to provide housing in their high demand neighbourhoods.
“I was a fairly new housing officer, about 27 years old, and when David approached me, I was enthusiastic about how we could work together and really make a difference to people who needed a chance. A chance to live in a good area surrounded by a supportive community and not in those areas where old habits would die hard.
“David’s first client was in his sixties and had never lived independently. He was a long term alcohol user and people didn’t think he’d cope with being housed. One of the first flats I offered was in Aigburth for this gentleman, on a lovely age restricted scheme with neighbours who cared. The man was settled into a lovely home in a lovely area with neighbours who supported him. For me that’s what it’s all about - making a difference to people’s quality of life.
“I went into housing and stayed because I could make a difference.
“Congratulations on 50 years and such a deserving charity!”
