Sómas is a development of 10 one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for older people and people with reduced mobility on a formerly derelict site in Galway City. Galway Simon undertook this development in response to the number of older people presenting to homeless services and the shortage of one-bed homes in Galway City, where 72% of the social housing waiting list is made up of single person households.
This age friendly development is designed to accommodate people across the life cycle. All of the apartments are A-rated and are fully accessible for people with compromised mobility and wheelchair users. The development has high quality private and communal spaces to support privacy as well as community building amongst the residents. Tenants receive visiting support from Galway Simon keyworkers. In addition, there is a 24/7 Galway Simon Community Service next door, providing passive surveillance and access to emergency support quickly should it be needed, giving an enhanced sense of security to the tenants.