Prison leavers in Gloucestershire are helping to tackle homelessness by refurbishing homes for people in need of safe and stable housing.
The scheme is the result of a partnership between social impact investor Resonance, charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI), and Community Interest Company Gloucester Together. It provides ex-offenders with employment and hands-on training in construction while creating high-quality homes for those facing homelessness.
Since launching, the programme has refurbished 26 properties across Gloucestershire and helped dramatically cut reoffending rates. Just 10% of those employed through the initiative have reoffended, compared with national figures of 56% for offenders serving sentences of under 12 months and 26.5% overall.
Mark Hodge, Group Chairman of Gloucester Together, said: “There is a lack of successful routes for supporting prison leavers into employment, and this partnership has delivered real social outcomes for both prisoners and homeless people.”
One former prisoner described the opportunity as “life-changing”, saying the work had helped them gain confidence and skills in trades such as decorating and tiling.
Under the model, properties refurbished by the teams are leased by Resonance to DHI and then rented to people who would otherwise be homeless.
Chris Cullen, Head of Homelessness Property Funds at Resonance, said the project was “transforming lives” by creating homes and opportunities.
Marianne Rawlins, from DHI, added: “It shows what’s possible when people are given the right opportunities and support. This partnership is breaking down barriers and helping to rebuild lives.”
Resonance, which has been investing in social enterprises since 2002, says the scheme is part of its wider mission to provide homes and opportunities for people and communities in crisis.