Meeting the growing demand for emergency accommodation to support people vulnerable to homelessness is a major challenge.
At a time where thousands of people across Greater Manchester are struggling with homelessness, Manchester-based charity Embassy has announced that they are launching a brand-new initiative – which aims to help the city’s homeless and vulnerable men get back on their feet.
Working with developers Peel L&P and CAPITAL&CENTRIC – who have both helped to develop Manchester into the thriving city it is today – the initiative will provide up to 40 new permanent modular homes, all of which will be made from repurposed shipping containers.
The creative project, which will see us provide pro-bono quantity surveying and project management work as part of our Social Value commitment in the region, will also include a range of wrap around support to enable the city’s homeless and vulnerable men find work, and truly get back on their feet. Providing safe and secure homes for those in need, the proposed new village will take up residence on the currently derelict site below the railway arches between the Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell in the city centre.
The support will include a community hub where residents will be able to undertake training and mentoring, socialise, make use of a sports area and even grow vegetables. Support workers will also ensure each resident is given six hours a week of dedicated time, as well as provide them with the life skills needed to move forward such as shopping and budgeting, cooking, how to manage a home, interview prep and help applying for jobs.
Embassy Village will make a huge difference to the lives of the many vulnerable homeless people in Manchester city centre and it is fantastic that Arcadians are playing their part in supporting this innovative project. It clearly demonstrates our organisational values and approach to driving social value and I feel extremely proud that our teams’ work will not only provide residents with a home but also teach them life skills that will enable them to live more fruitful and happier lives.
The project very much aligns to Arcadis’ support for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including ‘no poverty’, ‘zero hunger’ and ‘reduced inequalities’. As we look to the future, we aim to improve quality of life with every project we do and to give our clients and our own people a deep sense of pride in working for the common good.