Zetetick opens Scott House & Founder House in Croydon

Summary

Zetetick Housing has officially opened Scott House and Founder House in Croydon, securing long-term homes for eight residents after purchasing the two adjoining properties. Despite the rain, staff, trustees, tenants and partners came together to celebrate this milestone for supported housing in Croydon.

The homes were renamed in honour of founder Gary Scott, whose vision since 2007 has shaped Zetetick’s growth. During the ceremony, leaders reflected on the charity’s progress, its strong financial foundation and the lasting impact of providing stable, well-maintained homes for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

Guests toured the houses after the ribbon cutting and saw how personalised, good-quality environments help tenants live safely and independently. The event highlighted the importance of sustained tenancies and the value they bring to individuals and the wider community.

The day closed with a shared lunch and final reflections on Zetetick’s commitment to building brighter futures through secure, dignified housing.

Zetetick secures future for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs in Croydon.

Persistent rain didn’t dampen the mood in Croydon as Zetetick staff, trustees, tenants and care partners gathered to celebrate the official opening of Scott House and Founder House. The event marked an important moment for Zetetick Housing, as we secured the long-term future of eight residents by purchasing the two adjoining properties on Stretton Road. This milestone strengthens our commitment to safe, secure and person-centred homes for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. Read more about our supported housing model.

A milestone for secure, sustained tenancies

When the previous landlord chose to sell the buildings, we moved quickly to protect the established community living there. Thanks to our strong financial position, the purchase was completed in summer 2025. It is Zetetick’s first step into property ownership, reinforcing our ability to provide stable, long-term homes.

Honouring a founder’s legacy

The ceremony on Friday 14 November brought together many members of the Zetetick community and our partners. Guests arrived to see the houses dressed with a ribbon and already proudly displaying plaques with their new names – Scott House and Founder House – in honour of Zetetick’s Founder, Gary Scott.

Leadership reflections – vision, impact and sustainability

Before the official opening, Zetetick’s leaders, Chief Executive Jonathan Spencer and Chair of Trustees, Martin Hurst, said a few words:

“Scott House is more than just bricks and mortar,” Jonathan began, “It’s a tribute to the vision of our founder, Gary Scott, whose work since 2007 laid the foundations of a charity that puts people first. By owning this property, we’re building on his legacy – reaching more people, helping more families, and securing homes that offer both dignity and stability.”

Martin added, “Zetetick owes its existence to Gary’s visionary leadership. Thanks to his work, hundreds of vulnerable residents now benefit from our unique services.
“Gary’s unwavering vision has ensured that Zetetick not only supports individuals to live independently but also works closely with the NHS to help people thrive after hospital discharge. We are honoured to celebrate his remarkable legacy by renaming these properties in his name.”

Then, with the cut of a ribbon, Gary officially opened the properties his leadership had helped make possible. Guests were invited inside to see the well-maintained, personalised homes and how these facilitate the quality care delivered by our care partners.

Our founder’s reflections

Over a shared lunch of sandwiches, cake and Nosecco – under the welcome shelter of a marquee thanks to Zetetick’s local maintenance team – Gary also shared his reflections on this new era for Zetetick, “From the very outset of forming Zetetick Housing 18 years ago, the dream was to build a legacy that offered safe and secure homes for our vulnerable tenants.
“After years of strengthening the charity’s financial standing, I was delighted we could purchase these two properties and secure long-term tenure for the tenants living there.
“Zetetick is a maturing charity offering a meaningful and enduring service to vulnerable tenants who today are part of, and contributing to, their local community.”

Securing a brighter future for all

This new era for Zetetick has been made possible by careful stewardship and strong financial management. As a charity, we reinvest every surplus into safer homes, stronger compliance and better services for tenants.

As the Housing Executive report, sustained tenancies offer safety, continuity and confidence, while delivering clear public value. By reducing demand on hospital and social care services, they contribute to healthier communities and ease pressure on local authorities. This stability helps people feel secure enough to plan ahead, belong and build a life with dignity.

Find out more

To learn more about our supported housing or to discuss partnership opportunities, email [email protected] or call 0800 03 08 009.

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