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In addition to the foregoing, 762 persons rendered homeless by
enemy action were permanently rehoused and provided with furniture,
bedding and other household equipment under the scheme laid down
by the Ministry of Health. Before the official scheme came into
operation Richmond had initiated its own scheme for providing
furniture, etc. to families rendered homeless. The first steps were
taken towards the end of 1939 by the setting up of a furniture store
at Parkshot adjoining the Public Health Department.
In response to a public appeal by the Mayor, many gifts of
furniture and household equipment were received, and when the
first influx of refugees from Belgium and Czecho-Slovakia arrived it
was possible to furnish completely 13 requisitioned houses which were
in readiness for the occupation of the refugees on their arrival. The
number of Foreign War Refugees thus housed was 120.
Half-way Houses.
In addition 10 houses were later requisitioned and completely
furnished, and adapted for the accommodation of 149 persons
immediately after the loss of their homes until more permanent
accommodation could be provided. These were described as HalfWay
Houses.
As the housing shortage increased, Local Authorities were given
powers to requisition and adapt premises for providing housing
accommodation at rents which tenants could afford to pay. Good
use was made of these powers and up to the end of 1944, 120 such
premises had been requisitioned for families who were without a
home.
Greater London Evacuation Scheme for Priority Classes.
Evacuation from Richmond.
Between the 8th July and the 23rd September, 1944, awing to
the effects of enemy action by flying-bombs and rockets, Richmond
was included in the Greater London Evacuation Scheme and
arrangements had to be made for organised parties of mothers and
children, school children and aged persons to be evacuated from
Richmond. These were sent out in daily parties by trains to the
various Reception Areas chosen by the London County Council.