A number of Manchester businesses involved in the St John’s neighbourhood development have committed to a homeless initiative.
Businesses involved in the £1bn new development near Spinningfields, which include Allied London, Laing O’Rourke, Lendlease and Mclaren, have agreed to collaborate to offer inclusive employment, financial support and to raise awareness of homelessness under the St John’s Homeless Initiative (SJHI).
Gabriel Erinle, operations director at Allied London, said: “The SJHI was a proposal that I pooled together from my knowledge and experience of co-production, collaboration and sincerity that I have gained.
“I believe that businesses and charities should work together to bring a sustainable scheme to provide three fundamental requirements if we are to succeed in eradicating homelessness in Manchester.
“Employment, raising awareness and the generation of funding for as long as is needed is a legacy that outgrows the construction phase of St John’s, but continues with the occupiers and residents of the estate.”
The businesses will work alongside the Department of Work and Pensions, Manchester City Council, the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, Big Change MCR and CityCo as part of the initiative.
Dee Lowry, from the Manchester Homelessness Partnership, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the skills and knowledge of all the partners involved coming together for this cause.
“Inclusive employment is a massive need for our city and I think we’ll only get there if the business and charity worlds understand each other better. This is one of the things we’re trying to do through this initiative.”
The scheme has set the aim to raise £250,000 a year, with a view to give 50 per cent of the proceeds to Big Change Manchester and 50 per cent to Manchester Homelessness Partnership and Street Support Network.
Councillor Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This is a brilliant initiative which will help people who are homeless in Manchester both by connecting them with job opportunities and raising funds for the extensive support services available.
“These services help people to address any underlying issues which have contributed to them becoming homeless - such as debt or health problems - and to move into settled accommodation.
“The Council is delighted to be part of this idea and we commend the sense of social responsibility being shown by the companies involved.”
The initiative has been created for the duration of the neighbourhood's development, which will include 2,500 new homes, 600,000 sq ft of workspace and 400,000 sq ft of leisure space when completed.
Allied London is leading the St John’s development, which will surround new arts venue The Factory.
