About First Choice Housing

First Choice Housing works with people who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Swindon.

We provide support mainly but not exclusively to those experiencing mental health challenges and/or in the process of seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.

Our aim is to help those who use our services to meet basic needs including but not limited to shelter. We provide a range of services from supported accommodation, to CV writing workshops, support to access training and education, and signposting to mental health support.

There are a lot of reasons why people experience or become at risk of homeless, we exist to work towards a solution for people in Swindon.

First Choice housing canva icons (200 x 200 px) (3)

The number of households in Swindon were assessed as homeless in 2022-23.

Our Story

2010

First Choice Housing is established by one of the Directors, Betty Honsou with the support of a local church. Having lived in Swindon for decades before, she set out to establish an organisation that would make a real difference to those who need it most in the community.

As is sometimes the case, initial momentum was interrupted by life events and the project was put on pause.

2019

Pilot of supported living accommodation launched

After an extended hiatus, First Choice housing was relaunched with the appointment of new trustees. With funding from the Lotto’s Community Fund, the charity leased its first house in East Swindon to house those experiencing homelessness.