Young people in Greater Manchester at risk of rough sleeping have begun to move into the first phase of a new £3.7m anti-homelessness scheme in Salford.
The scheme, developed by ForHousing in partnership with Salford City Council, is located on Haddon Road, Salford, and comprises 12 new-build one-bedroom apartments.
The homes are let at a low ‘sub-social’ rent – which is below usual social-housing levels – and all bills and wi-fi are included in the cost.
Tenants at Haddon Road also receive access to support workers and help in obtaining employment and training, with the end goal of getting them to move back toward stability at home.
Chloe Fox, aged 21 (pictured below), was one of the first tenants to move into the scheme. She moved into her apartment after a breakdown in their relationship meant she had to leave the home she shared with her sister.
Resident Chloe Fox outside Haddon House
Commenting on the development, Colette McKune, chief executive of ForHousing’s parent company, ForViva Group, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed the first tenants to begin their new lives at Haddon Road, particularly during such difficult times.
“Homelessness is a growing problem we all must strive to solve so that we can safeguard the health and wellbeing of people across our region.
“Having a stable place to live builds a strong foundation for people’s wellbeing, enabling them to stay safe, rebuild their lives and flourish.”
Tackling homelessness in Greater Manchester
Work on the Haddon Road site began in May 2019 and was developed by ForHousing in partnership with Salford City Council.
The site is part of ForHousing’s wider plan to build 39 homes for those at risk of becoming homeless in the Greater Manchester area. Two other Salford sites – Vicars Street and Somerset Road – are due to be finished this year.
ForHousing secured a £1.46m grant from Homes England to put toward the Haddon Road scheme, which ultimately aims to support Salford City Council in providing more affordable homes. (5,800 households were on the council’s housing register in April 2020.)
Commenting on the progress made, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Developments like this one at Haddon Road – a valuable scheme as part of a wider joined-up approach to tackling homeless and in particular rough sleeping across Greater Manchester – demonstrate a proactive solution to one of the biggest social challenges we face.
“It’s fantastic to see that people in Salford who were at risk of homelessness are beginning to move in to these homes.
“The securing of somewhere safe to live will no doubt enable residents to make a fresh start and I wish everyone at Haddon Road every success.”
The completion of the Haddon Road scheme comes as ForHousing has been working with local councils to provide temporary accommodation for homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ForHousing has worked with councils in Salford, Oldham, and Knowsley to make 133 void homes available during lockdown, enabling homeless people and those living in one-room homes to practice social distancing.
Read more on the homelessness crisis:
- SFHA and Homeless Network Scotland join forces to tackle Scottish homelessness
- Disabled woman who became homeless wins ‘No DSS’ case
- Hyde Group and Ealing Council relocate modular apartments to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households