Liverpool-based property agency, Redwing, which is part of the Regenda Group, has partnered with Resonance and National Homelessness Property Fund 2 (NHPF2) to support the Liverpool City Region’s Housing First programme.
Housing First provides permanent homes in Liverpool for more than 200 people who are experiencing homelessness.
As part of this new partnership, Redwing will let and manage 68 properties across Liverpool City Region, covering Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.
Michelle Brooks, Director of Operations at Redwing, said: “Redwing is a profit for purpose organisation, meaning we reinvest our profits into regenerating places and creating opportunities for people. Over the past 50 years, Redwing have helped thousands of people find a place to call home, so we understand how important it is to have your own front door to close at the end of the day. I am incredibly proud to be part of the Housing First Initiative and to see the impact that this partnership will have on the lives of some of the most vulnerable people across the Liverpool City Region.”
Housing First aims to end repeat homelessness by providing a home at the start of the process rather than at the end. This is then followed by tailored support to deal with any mental or physical health issues such as trauma, addiction or abuse.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The measure of any decent society is how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Over the last decade there had been an exponential increase in rough sleeping – not just in our area – but right across the country.
“One of the first policies I introduced as Mayor was Housing First. It is a radical new approach that is completely different to how this country has traditionally looked to help the homeless. It is principally about putting people in a safe, secure property of their own at the earliest opportunity and providing them with wraparound support to help deal with their often multi-complex needs.
“One of the biggest challenges we have faced is finding enough suitable properties for rent, so we’re delighted to be investing £1.5m to help buy these properties across our area to help provide long-term homes for some of our most vulnerable residents. We are showing how, by treating people with dignity, working together with a coordinated approach and the right political will, we can end some of the worst forms of homelessness once and for all.”
John Williams, Managing Director of Property Funds at Resonance, said: “No one should be living on the streets, without a safe place to call home.
This initiative will provide a lifeline to those sleeping rough and facing housing crisis, providing them with a decent and affordable home of their own. Partnering with an expert housing provider like Redwing is vital to support residents to take positive steps towards living independently.”
To find out more about Redwing’s services visit www.redwing.co.uk/businesses or contact us on partners@redwing.co.uk or 0151 703 3703.
