Producing more homes resurrecting empty properties

Cromwood is approaching another milestone as it plays an increasingly important role in meeting the needs of homeless people across Greater Manchester.

It will soon manage 700 properties having doubled the number of homes it has in the area over the last two years. 

Cromwood’s dedicated team, based in Prestwich, has expanded rapidly and now has 14 staff in a variety of roles – led by operations manager David Gluck. Further recruitment is underway to enable the team to manage a growing client base having gained contracts with Trafford and Stockport councils over the last year.

It means Cromwood now provides much-needed temporary accommodation for six of the 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester.

“We’ve built good relationships with local authorities here,” said David. “They like working with us because we’re so responsive and they know they can rely on us, whether they need a one bed flat or a five-bedroom house.”

Cromwood is providing homes for a number of schemes including A Bed Every Night – designed to prevent rough sleeping across Greater Manchester – and a programme targeted at ex-prisoners.

There are plans to double the portfolio in Manchester by purchasing properties to enable Cromwood to take an even more prominent role.

David added: “By buying our own stock there’s more we can achieve in terms of getting the properties that we know local authorities will need. 

“It will mean that rather than families and individuals having to go to B&Bs they can have a comfortable home with Cromwood along with the support they need. It’s the first step to eventually getting somewhere permanent to live.”