A local homeless charity supporting people living in Unsupported Temporary Accommodation is hitting the road with the help of a minibus donated by Edward Holt Trust.

This minibus will enable Justlife to take their housing, health and wellbeing support to the doorsteps of people living in Unsupported Temporary Accommodation across Greater Manchester.

Unsupported Temporary Accommodation is considered the last housing option before rough sleeping. It is where homeless individuals find themselves stuck while trying to navigate the difficult journey of finding more suitable, stable and secure housing. Without support, many are at risk of falling into street homelessness, and can struggle to access and engage with support services.

The minibus, kitted out with a table and chairs, kitchen facilities and a toilet, will help Justlife reach those who may not feel confident enough to come to drop-in support sessions at Justlife’s centre in Openshaw.

Edward Holt Trust is a charity that funds a number of homelessness projects in Greater Manchester, alongside providing accommodation for older people with limited means at Holt House in Didsbury.

Richard Kershaw, Chair of Trustees at Edward Holt Trust, said

As a Trust we are always looking for innovative projects that can have a real impact on people who are homeless and the proposal from Justlife was just such a project.

Each week, Justlife will set up their gazebo and minibus at Unsupported Temporary Accommodation across Greater Manchester, where residents can access food, drinks and advice to troubleshoot any housing or wellbeing issues they have. Residents will also be able to book confidential chats with a support worker in the minibus.

Ruth Cox, Justlife’s Operations Manager said:

We are really looking forward to beginning our ‘pop-up drop-ins’ across Greater Manchester and the minibus generously provided by the Edward Holt Trust will be a crucial part of these.

Through this outreach, Justlife hopes to build trust with people experiencing homelessness, help them feel comfortable with engaging in the longer-term support Justlife offers, and catch those who often slip through the cracks of the homelessness support system. 

Photo: Justlife/Edward Holt Trust