Tenants Mike Sanderson, left, and Mark Daniel

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A CHARITY which provides housing for those recovering from addiction is set to evict its tenants, telling them that owning the flats is no longer financially viable.

Phoenix Futures took over the block of six flats on Lambton Road in Archway a decade ago. The “independent living” option offers a stable environment for those recovering from alcohol and drug addiction.

On its website, Phoenix Futures state: “We know that recovery from drug or alcohol dependency is possible, and that a safe and secure living environment is central to providing the stability needed to explore options or build on gains made in treatment”

But now tenants, some of whom have been living there for almost two decades, say they are facing homelessness after being told they must vacate the property.

Mike Sanderson, 80, said: “There was no discussion, no explanation, it was a ‘you know how it is’ type phrase. When you’re on the receiving end of that comment, you’re left absolutely gobsmacked. You’ve rebuilt your life, rebuilt your community, rebuilt all the damage you’ve done. And for no reason the roof gets taken from over your head.”

Mr Sanderson, who has lived in his flat for 17 years, added: “It will mean that we’re homeless and presenting to Islington Council as homeless. Having had a home for so many years, and to have it taken away through no fault of one’s own, it’s difficult to describe how depressing it is.”

Mark Daniel, who has lived in Lambton Road for three years, spoke of how his flat provided a “fresh start”. He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’d not had anywhere to call my own home for over a decade.”

He said the notice to vacate the property came as a shock. “I couldn’t believe it to be honest,” he said. “When I came here I was told that this would be it. That I wouldn’t have to worry about moving again.”

He added: “They came round one day and I’d heard the rumour that they were closing down, and I said “should I be worried?”, and she said ‘No. This is a charity for homeless people. It wouldn’t look good if they then turned around and made people homeless’.

“And then the next time I saw her she was handing me a Section 21. I just couldn’t believe it. I was looking at her thinking the last time I saw you, you promised that this wasn’t going to happen.”

A Phoenix Futures spokesperson said: “We are required by law to meet specific standards for the properties. Meeting these standards requires significant investment in an environment of rising costs and with a lack of government support.

“Our only options are to either increase the monthly charge to tenants to what is likely to be an unaffordable level or to support tenants to find alternative long-term accommodation that is affordable.

“We have subsidised significant losses from the property for many years and reached a point where it is longer financially sustainable for the charity.

“Through an independent review we have identified that reluctantly the best course of action is to support tenants to find alternative affordable accommodation.

“We have committed that no one will made homeless by this process. We are taking time to consider tenants’ individual needs by providing bespoke support for each tenant who is affected by this process.”

Islington’s housing chief, Councillor John Woolf, said: “We recognise the vital role that properties like 58 Lambton Road play in supporting people recovering from addiction. However, while the government provides some funding for the council to purchase additional homes in the borough, there are strict limitations on how this funding can be used.

“We explored the possibility of purchasing 58 Lambton Road, but unfortunately the funding constraints meant it was not feasible to proceed with a purchase of the property.

“We remain committed to working with organisations like Phoenix Futures to ensure vulnerable residents receive the advice and assistance they need.”