Partners unite to give homeless more beds

A ROCHDALEBASED homelessness charity has partnered with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to deliver more services in the borough for those in need of accommodation support.

Stepping Stone Projects supports people across the North West who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes and has just been commissioned to increase its work in the borough as part of Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night scheme, which aims to ensure nobody sleeps rough in the region.

The partnership will see housing association RBH provide an additional six homes to Stepping Stone Projects for people sleeping rough.

The landlord already provides around 20 homes to the charity for temporary and move-on accommodation, as well as providing 16 homes for a group supported housing scheme.

Dave Smith, Chief Executive of Stepping Stone Projects, said: “This partnership is absolutely fantastic news for the homeless community in Rochdale.

“With the properties made available to us by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, we’re able to extend the A Bed Every Night scheme in the area and make more beds available.”

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH Chief Executive, said: “The chance to continue our work with Stepping Stone Projects and provide more much needed accommodation for the A Bed Every Night scheme has been welcomed wholeheartedly.

“We’re committed to ensuring people have the opportunity to start their journey to a new life away from living on the streets.

“This initiative will really have an impact on some of the most vulnerable people in Rochdale.”