Specialist housing for homeless launches in Merseyside

Specialist accommodation providing steps out of homelessness launches in St Helens

A new housing scheme designed to support people in their journey out of homelessness has launched in St Helens with support from The Salvation Army.

The specialised, long-term accommodation has been designed with older people and people with a physical disability in mind who are homeless and at risk of returning to the streets - and has recently welcomed its first residents, providing an environment and giving the independence needed to escape the cycle of homelessness.

The 12 spacious homes are located on Egerton Street in St Helens and include four one-bedroom bungalows and eight one-bedroom apartments, offering residents a two-year fixed tenancy, acting as a stepping-stone to a permanent home and come with specialist support from The Salvation Army. The church and charity will provide each resident with a support worker who will assist people to overcome personal barriers, manage their tenancy, bills and budgeting, enabling them to build their confidence before moving on to more permanent general needs housing.

Robert Long regional manager for The Salvation Army homelessness services in the North West said: “The Salvation Army is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and to do this it’s important that we work with other organisations to offer residents the best opportunity to rebuild their lives. We’re excited to be able to expand our established, tailored support to older people and people who have disabilities - providing a stable home and supporting people to live independently and to have hope for what the future brings.”

The development was built in partnership with St Helens Borough Council and OSCO Homes, with some of the properties designed for people who have a disability or who are over 55 and is supported by Homes England as part of the Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC) Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme (RSAP) ‘Move On’ fund, following a successful bid from St Helens Council and Torus.

Mr Long added: “We’re thrilled to again be working with St Helens Borough Council, Torus and Osco Homes to bring the vision and passion we all have to life and it’s great to see our alliance go from strength to strength.”