A homeless man who'd just got out of prison said he was given 'a second chance at life' after finding a home.
Stephen McCarthey left prison last year but found there was nowhere for him to stay because of the pandemic.
However he was able to become one of the first tenants to join a new scheme set up by ForHousing, Knowsley Council and homeless charities in the area.
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The 42-year-old, who has lived in Liverpool for the last five years, said: "I’ve had a second chance at life and I couldn’t have done it without the help I’ve had from the ForHousing team.
"The accommodation here is spotless, the local area is great and I’m so thankful for the opportunity. Otherwise I’d be back on the streets.
"I’m doing Zoom classes that are really helping with my recovery from addiction and I have Wi-Fi I can use in the flat to make that really easy.
"Now I can see light at the end of the tunnel and I’m feeling more positive. Being here has really changed my life and the support from ForHousing has been amazing.
"They have done so much to help me. I had to self-isolate when I got COVID a while ago and they brought me food parcels. I know if I need something I can just ask."
The scheme has provided six homeless people with fully furnished shared accommodation with Wi-Fi, and access to support including advice around debt, money management and welfare benefits and help with addiction and wellbeing issues.
Toni Morgan, city region assertive outreach manager at the Whitechapel Centre said: "The pilot project with ForHousing has been a brilliant scheme to get people who are homeless in Knowsley into high quality supported shared accommodation.
"The quality and finish of the flats is to an extremely high standard and the ongoing support and service from Whitechapel and the TESS team at ForHousing means clients feel settled in their new homes, with several commenting that the scheme has changed their life.
"It is an amazing project to be a part of and just shows how partnership working between organisations can make all the difference."
Not only does the scheme give homeless people a place to stay but it offers them the chance to get support and into their own homes.
Tenants then work their way through a 10-point ‘resettlement passport’ which helps them deal with budgeting, paying bills, shopping, cooking and avoiding future debt problems.
Charlie Barnard, tenancy support and sustainment manager, said: "ForHousing is passionate about tackling homelessness and believes that everyone deserves a second chance and a place to call home.
"It’s great to be working in partnership with Knowsley Council and the Whitechapel Centre on this pilot project which is providing greatly needed accommodation and support.
"We’re focused on empowering people to make their own decisions by working with them to put an individual support plan in place to help them build a brighter future.”
Councillor Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Knowsley Council, said: "There are many reasons why someone finds themselves homeless, but with the right support, they can go on to secure their own accommodation and live independently.
"I’m delighted to support this innovative project, helping residents to turn their lives around. It really is a great example of Knowsley Better Together in action – people and organisations coming together for the benefit of the borough and our residents.”
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