2021 has seen the opening of The Riverside Housing Project in Manchester city centre, which provides accommodation for homeless LGBTQ+ people and a safe space “free from discrimination”. According to the Manchester Evening News, the building consists of six modern flats, and additional support services will be provided to residents. The project has been supported by mayor Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night (ABEN) initiative, which is aiming to provide short-term accommodation for every homeless person in the city. It is the latest in developments by housing organisation Riverside, which signed the HouseProud Pledge scheme that aims to support housing companies in providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people.
One of the first residents to move into the tailored properties was 61-year-old Elaine, who was transferred from an emergency hotel provision, and said: “Living here is like being with family so I don’t feel like I’m on the outside. The staff have experience with LGBT+ people and can provide the help needed. It’s nice to be included and I’m pleased that there are staff here to help me – it is all quite overwhelming.”
She continued: “I’m over the moon that everything is falling into place and I can start to live a normal life. I’m very fortunate to be able to spend Christmas in my new home and it is a fresh start to the new year.” Eleanor Watts, Riverside’s area manager, said. “Many people identifying as LGBTQ+ can end up homeless due to a variety of reasons such as losing their job or a family breakdown after coming out so they have little or no support from their relatives. It can also be difficult for LGBT+ people to open up to others especially those in authority so this supported service will help break down these barriers.”
Luthfur Rahman, Manchester council’s lead member for homelessness, said homelessness disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ people: “LGBTQ+ people are presented with challenges beyond those affecting others vulnerable to homelessness. Discrimination remains an intolerable part of our society and I think it’s crucial that we can provide the tailored support people need to feel safe and secure if they need to access homeless accommodation.”
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