A charity that helps thousands of people facing homelessness each year has secured major investment to buy more homes, most of them in the North East.
Changing Lives secured a £2,510,000 loan, and is set to buy a total of 25 flats to help people transition into independence.
Latest Government data shows the number of people sleeping rough in England is at its highest level since records began in 2010, with the steepest year-on-year rise in the North East, where numbers increased by 31 per cent.
The investment comes from Social and Sustainable Capital to help the charity deal with the growing demand for its services.
Fifteen of the flats will be in Newcastle, five in Durham, and five in Doncaster.
These properties will serve as a critical next step for individuals not yet prepared for complete independent living, providing essential stability as they regain confidence and prepare for managing their tenancies.
Founded 55 years ago in Newcastle, Changing Lives has grown from a small local charity to a national organisation, supporting more than 14,000 people annually who face various challenges from homelessness and addiction to unemployment and issues with the justice system.
Recently, the demand for housing has become more severe, with a more competitive private rental market making it increasingly difficult for the charity to find suitable homes for individuals moving out of hostels.
According to the charity, owning more housing stock will provide more appropriate homes and foster longer-term positive outcomes for its service users.
The charity's Chief Executive, Stephen Bell OBE, said: “Hostels are vital in a crisis, but they’re not intended to be long-term homes.
“Staying too long can unintentionally create dependency, limit autonomy and make it harder for people to build the rhythms of everyday life, something essential to long-term tenancy success.
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"Move on accommodation represents hope in a very practical form."
The SASH II fund, which was launched in November 2022, supports charities that deliver a combination of support and housing.
CEO of SASC, Mark Bickford, said this latest investment will help Changing Lives secure high-quality homes directly linked to support services, facilitating more individuals in moving towards lasting independence.
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