People are experiencing homelessness all over the UK. One of the places with the highest need is Greater Manchester, which ranked third highest in the country, and second highest outside of London, for people experiencing homelessness per capita. Manchester had 7,407 people (that’s one in 74 people) experiencing homelessness at the start of 2023. [1] The National Homelessness Property Fund 2 works to provide desperately needed homes for people in need of a safe, affordable place to live all over the UK. One of those is David, housed & supported by Salix Homes in Greater Manchester.  

David grew up in Cheetham Hill, Manchester and left school in 1986 to get a job as a forklift truck driver.  

“I met my wife Clancy in 1988. I have always enjoyed a drink socially but when Clancy and I split up after 34 years together, I lost my home and began drinking excessively.   

I began drinking daily, and when Clancy died of cancer 18 months ago, my life spiralled out of control. I moved into homeless accommodation in Rochdale and was drinking dependently. The staff were brilliant, and I felt that my life improved dramatically while I was there. However, I did find living with lots of other people, some that were managing their substance use issues, challenging.”  

David was referred to Salix Homes and was moved into his new home:  “I love my new home. I feel more independent, and I am enjoying living alone. I love the location of the home. It is very rural, and I feed the wildlife and birds. I also enjoy cooking. I am able to go out and socialise, but also able to stay at home with my own company when I like.   

I initially struggled with bills, budgeting and home-running tasks but I have learned to manage my finances and tenancy, and feel this is an achievement. I have received support from RSAP staff with setting up bills such as rent, council tax and utilities. I am really proud that I am able to manage my own finances and bills. I have also received additional support, signposting and referring to other agencies for alcohol use.”  

 David’s new home has given him independence and hope for the future. He can now start planning for what’s to come:   “I feel more positive about the future. Without it I would be homeless, begging and using the money to buy alcohol. I feel more positive and have a greater incentive to abstain from alcohol use.   

I am also proud of the way that I have been able to manage my grief. This has been extremely difficult and something that I think about all day, every day. I do have a brighter outlook on life and believe that having my own home has been a big factor.   

My new home and independence have made me think about, and work towards, returning to work and moving on to my own permanent accommodation. I am keen to return to full time employment.”  

About Salix Homes 

Salix is one of three housing providers that the fund is working with in Greater Manchester, tackling the housing crisis and helping to reduce levels of homelessness in the region by purchasing and refurbishing properties into affordable homes for people who need it. 

Lee Sugden, Chief Executive of Salix Homes, said, “We’re proud to be working in partnership with this significant fund which will help secure properties for people who really need a place to call home. “It is just another example of how Greater Manchester is coming together in its mission to tackle homelessness and I’m sure this fund will provide another big step forward.” 

About the National Homelessness Property Fund 2  

National Homelessness Property Fund 2 was created in response to the growing need for affordable housing, providing safe and decent homes for people in housing crisis, and launched in December 2020. Initially, the fund’s focus was on providing homes in the Greater Manchester region, but has expanded into other regions across the UK including Bristol, Oxford and Merseyside. 

As of March 2024, the fund has housed a total of 346 properties in its portfolio of which 291 are now tenanted. An additional 55 are currently in refurb and another 42 in conveyancing.

The fund is aiming to purchase 1,500 family and one-bedroom homes - including from portfolio purchases - across the UK, to house more than 16,000 people over its lifetime. 

Read the fund’s latest social impact report here 

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[1] Shelter https://england.shelter.org.uk/media/press_release/at_least_271000_people_are_homeless_in_england_today