Forfutures and Share have teamed up to develop a series of new homes specifically for people facing homelessness in Chester.
Forfutures, which provides homelessness services for Cheshire West and Chester Council, joined forces with Share following its purchase of a property in Chester.
The partnership says the property has been converted into a home for three people facing homelessness, so they can start to build a more positive, sustainable future.
People will live in the property for up to six months, during which time forfutures and Share have pledged to support them till they move on to a more permanent home.
Part of the criteria for moving into this home is that people are actively seeking or are currently in education, voluntary work or paid work.
Early success
The first customers moved into the property at the end of July, two of whom had been rough sleeping and engaged with the forfutures team to work toward meeting the criteria.
Another approached the Housing Options team at Chester Council after he lost his job due to the pandemic, experienced a relationship breakdown, and had to leave his home.
Staff supported him to get his finances in order and maximise his income.
He said: “The help I received from forfutures was brilliant. They were aware of my problems, and they always listened and acted on any concerns I had.
“They provided a reference for me, which I firmly believe had a great impact on the landlord’s decision to accept me as a new tenant.
“I’d like to thank them for all their help, which has really helped me get my life back on track.”
Janet Lawton, strategic lead for Homelessness from forfutures, said: “This is a fantastic example of great partnership working between organisations that share the same values and want to work collaboratively to end homelessness in Cheshire West and Chester.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve been able to work closely with those facing homelessness, and homes like this will support people in taking a huge step towards a new life with a brighter future away from the streets.”
Share chair Debra Webb said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with forfutures in providing this level of accommodation and support to empower individuals to move their lives forwards.
“This is a critical stage in the life of someone who has experienced homelessness, and the support needs to be there to make this transition a success.
“This kind of partnership working allows that to happen, and we are excited to see the positive outcome of this.”
ForHousing is a strategic partner to Cheshire West and Chester Council, currently delivering a 10-year contract to manage 5,500 homes in Ellesmere Port, Neston, and Winsford.
Its homeless support service contract, branded forfutures, is an extension of this partnership, which will run for the next nine years aligned to the housing management contract.
Forfutures‘ vision is to help improve the lives of people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Image: Mejini Neskah/Shutterstock
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