MP visit to homelessness centre puts spotlight on potential impact of uncertainty around supporting housing

A Salvation Army centre which provides accommodation and support for people experiencing homelessness in Manchester, Discovery House, welcomed Lucy Powell MP for Manchester Central on Friday 22 June. The visit highlighted to the local MP the issues faced by the services users at the Salvation Army run centre.

The MP spent time meeting staff and service users, talking to them about their experiences and concerns. She received a tour of the centre, and heard about the programmes offered as well as the positive outcomes.

Lucy Powell MP (Cooperative MP, Manchester Central) said: “I was delighted to meet service users and staff at The Salvation Army's Discovery House Lifehouse.  Homelessness is a complex issue and I learned much from today's visit and discussions.

“Here in Manchester we have a strong partnership between the voluntary sector, churches and the Local Authority that is a great help in meeting the pressing challenge of rough sleeping. However, I was concerned to learn that at a national level the future of supported housing sector needs greater assurances from government in order to be placed on a secure footing for the future.  I am happy to raise this issue in Parliament when the opportunity arises.”

Discovery House is a modern centre that provides supported housing for single people experiencing homelessness and promotes independent living.

Nigel Yates, Service Manager for Manchester Homelessness Services, said: “It was great to host our local MP as it was a good opportunity to highlight to her the work we’re doing at Discovery House, which is helping to transform the lives of service users. We believe that providing a bed alone doesn’t always solve the cycle of homelessness so work hard to support our service users, helping them to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. 

“We are grateful to Lucy for pledging to raise the issue of supported housing and our concerns about the impact of the government’s new approach in Parliament.”