Salford Foyer, which is managed by Places for People, is expanding its support for young people facing homelessness with the help of funding from LandAid, a charity in the property industry. The new modular homes, to be built at the Seedley Road site with approval from Salford City Council, will provide safe shelter for young single parent families who have experienced homelessness. These homes will offer independent living spaces complete with kitchen areas, living areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms, along with support from Salford Foyer.
The project is made possible in part by Agile Homes and money raised through LandAid’s SleepOut event in Greater Manchester. This event brings together hundreds of participants who spend a night sleeping outside to raise awareness and funds for homeless young people. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as last year saw nearly 136,000 16-24 year olds seeking help from local authorities due to homelessness or the risk of homelessness.
LandAid’s goal is to unite the property industry in supporting charities that provide life-changing services for homeless young people. By leveraging funding and expertise from corporate partners, LandAid aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable youth. Places for People’s Salford Foyer has been offering temporary housing for homeless individuals aged 16-25 for nearly three decades, with the capacity to support 43 young people at a time.
Rachel Crownshaw, the group managing director for Communities at Places for People, emphasized the critical role that Salford Foyer plays in helping young people in crisis. She highlighted the complex challenges that many residents face, such as leaving care, family breakdowns, financial difficulties, domestic abuse, and unemployment. Beyond providing a roof over their heads, Salford Foyer works closely with residents to address these underlying issues and help them rebuild their lives.
Nathan Cornish, chair of LandAid’s North West board, expressed excitement about supporting the expansion of services at Salford Foyer through a sustainable new build project. The board members are eager to see more young people aged 16-25 benefit from the much-needed accommodation and support that the Foyer offers.
The collaboration between LandAid, Places for People, and Agile Homes underscores the collective effort to address youth homelessness in Salford and beyond. By providing safe and supportive housing options, these organizations are making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable young individuals who are striving to overcome adversity and build a brighter future.