Jigsaw homes piece together 15 new properties for care leavers
The houses are earmarked for young people on the verge of experiencing homelessness.
Jigsaw Homes, an affordable housing organisation, have joined forces with Oldham Council to supply 15 new homes for young people facing homelessness.
They will be delivered in the form of one-bedroom apartments and will be situated on a derelict brownfield site just outside of Oldham town centre. The land was disposed by the local authority in a bid to help people aged between 18 and 25 who have just left the care system.
The latest statistics show during 2021/22 3,390 care leavers aged 18-20 were assessed as facing homelessness. At the same time, the number of total young people aged 18-24 assessed as facing homelessness has increased by 3.5% from 54,840 in 2018/19 to 56,740 in 2023/24.
To bring the scheme to life, Jigsaw and Oldham Council successfully submitted a joint bid to the government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme, where it gained funding from Homes England.
Commenting on the new programme, Councillor Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: ‘These apartments will change young people’s lives and give them supported independence when they need it most.
‘It’s essential that we have more housing of all types that reflect the needs of Oldhamers at every stage of their lives.
‘I’m really proud the council is working with Jigsaw to develop these much-needed homes. It’s a fantastic example of how, together with our partners, we are building a local solution to the national housing crisis.’
Katie Marshall, group director of development and people at Jigsaw Homes, added: ‘It is great to see this development underway. This is our second of three new schemes in Greater Manchester helping to meet the need for more quality, supported housing in the region as well as providing personalised support through Jigsaw Support to help residents on the path to independence. It is a great example of partnership working in making this scheme a reality.’
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