Our founding members began by exploring a range of possible supported housing projects, but their early ambitions came to fruition when they provided their first designated housing for young people.
In the 1970s, Hightown found itself in a unique position to offer support to young people who were no longer entitled to statutory care. Beginning with the opening of a small hostel for local students at St Albans Rd, Hemel Hempstead in 1977, followed shortly after by the conversion of properties in Alexandra Rd for single young people, we enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to provide for this client group. By 1985, Hightown was operating nine services based on a ‘cluster home’ model.
In the 1980s, Hightown came together with smaller liked-minded organisations providing services for young people, including Christian Action Berkhamsted, who operated projects for single parent families (1980) and Watford Churches Housing Association, who managed hostels for young women (1988).
Since those early hostels and cluster homes, today Hightown operate eight services for young people across Hertfordshire, with spaces for over 70 individuals or young single parents. We offer a lifeline to those whose background has not given them the tools to reach their full potential.
Using expertise developed over decades, Hightown supports young people to lead independent, stable lives. In 2017 we opened our Weymouth Street service in Hemel Hempstead.