Having partnered with Liverpool based housing provider, Redwing, our National Homelessness Property Fund 2 is purchasing and refurbishing 68 properties across the city-region, for people facing housing crisis and living in temporary accommodation or experiencing rough sleeping.

So far, the fund has handed over 44 properties, a mix of mostly one-bedroom and a small number of family-sized properties, to Redwing, with more properties currently undergoing refurbishment. All the properties are housing people supported by the Liverpool City Region’s Housing First programme alongside the six local authorities’ homelessness programmes.

Some of the properties are now housing tenants, providing them with a place to call home and the first step to independent living. Lee is one of these tenants.

Lee’s Story

Lee grew up in Harringay, North London and moved to the Wirral when he was 27 years old. In his words, Lee shares his experiences of homelessness:

“I met someone and got married here. I worked in a few different jobs, in and around the Wirral. I fell into a period of poor mental health that led to me becoming homeless and I sofa surfed for several years before entering the hostel system in central Birkenhead. During the pandemic, I was living in the YMCA in Birkenhead; this was a challenging time.

It was very difficult to access support from specialist services for mental and physical health but most of all, it was difficult for me to remain in contact with my children.

My physical and mental health deteriorated, and I was very low.”

Lee explains how his new home is making a difference to his life:

“I feel I’m free from an environment where I felt really vulnerable and have been able to take back my independence and live how I want to live with support from Housing First. Also, I’m able to make health appointments now and get to them as my doctor is really close.

A difference my new home is making is to my quality of life – it’s completely different than it was - I feel safe here.

When I moved in, I felt good that I could share this experience with my children who are now able to visit me and make new memories. I have realised that all you have are memories and imagination for the future and I am enjoying living in the present and making these memories. It has helped me move on as I can now see my family regularly.

Having a stable home means a lot to me as I can choose to do what I want, when I want, in my own time - and I haven’t been able to do that for a very long time.

Redwing supported Lee to move into his new home and provide him with ongoing tenancy support, whilst the Housing First programme offers him ongoing and bespoke support to suit his needs.

“Redwing were amazing at helping me move in and secure my home, from setting up my rent to checking the property is okay each month and providing support if I need it.

I receive support from Housing First who helped me to set up my utility accounts and helped me to pick my furniture. Since moving in I have been buying all my own furniture and having the place how I want it, and getting to know my neighbours either side of me is an achievement. I also am able to now have visits to my flat from my mental health support worker.

It’s got me in a place where it’s a good start for the future. Since moving in I have welcomed two new grandchildren, and my children bring them round and we have family meals here.”

Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, said: “I am delighted to hear that Lee is settling so well into his new home. It’s wonderful to hear that his home is having such a positive impact on his life, enabling Lee to move out of homelessness and providing him with stability and support helping him to move forward in his life, address any issues he’s experiencing, and more importantly, to rebuild relationships with his children and grandchildren. We’re so grateful for the expert support he is being provided with by the teams at both Redwing and Housing First.”

Ella Lowe, PRS Portfolio Officer at Redwing, said: “It’s been amazing to work with Resonance and Housing First to help people like Lee find and settle into a new home after experiencing homelessness. Lee’s transformation since moving in with Redwing has been incredible – he’s reconnected with his family and gained so much confidence. Watching the impact this partnership has had on our tenants lives is brilliant, together we’re making a real difference and it makes me so proud to come into work every day.”

About National Homelessness Property Fund 2

The fund purchases properties in the heart of local communities, chosen with its fund’s expert housing partners, for people facing housing crisis. Properties are refurbished to a high standard including making them more energy efficient and once refurbished, they are handed over to housing partners to manage tenancies and support tenants.

Stable homes help tenants to transition out of homelessness and to start thinking about their futures, that could include, becoming part of their local community, gaining employment or training, saving for their future and planning to eventually move on into their own private accommodation.

So far, over 300 people have been provided with a place to call home and a chance to rebuild their lives. The fund has ambition to purchase 1,500 properties and to house around 15,000 people over its lifetime.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT NATIONAL HOMELESSNESS PROPERTY FUND 2 HERE.