Ten:10 Property Solutions was started in Exeter in 2023 by husband and wife team, Colin and Ruth Flanagan. This emerged from their direct involvement with a local charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, where they became increasingly aware of the shortage of suitable supported housing within the city.
Through volunteering, Colin and Ruth saw first-hand how limited access to safe, well-managed accommodation can prevent people from moving forward. In response, they made the decision to invest personally in the provision of emergency accommodation, purchasing two properties in Exeter to be used specifically for supported housing.
Colin and Ruth actively support the Crossline project in Heavitree Road which provides hot food, clothing, sleeping bags and blankets to people experiencing hardship. Reflecting on this, Colin says, “While volunteering at Crossline, we realised that practical compassion needed to go beyond immediate provision of food.
Providing safe housing felt like a natural and necessary next step. So, we made the decision to buy two properties that could be renovated for emergency accommodation.” The name Ten:10 Property Solutions is drawn from the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 10, which speaks of life in its fullness.
As Ruth explains, “The name reflects both our values and our standards. It represents our desire to treat everyone with dignity and care and to help them on the journey to live life fully.”
The Crossline building in Heavitree Road, Exeter
Ruth continues, “Ten:10 also echoes our desire to provide help that is ‘ten out of ten’! In other words, accommodation that is clean, comfortable and homely.”
This ethos underpins the Ten:10 Property Solutions approach to supported housing. Homes are developed and managed to a high standard, balancing quality, discretion and respect for both residents and the wider community.
This commitment is captured in the Ten:10 Property Solutions strapline: Housing with care, dignity and purpose.