Sustainable housing initiative supports over 500 people in Bristol

A Bristol-born transformative initiative has seen over 500 individuals find stable, long-term homes, thanks to the efforts of two homelessness property funds.

Since 2016, some £23 million has been invested by social impact investor Resonance to acquire and refurbish 136 properties across the city.

This includes areas such as Southmead, Henbury, Bedminster, and Fishponds, with the goal of addressing homelessness and reducing the reliance on temporary accommodation in Bristol.

The project has been carried out in collaboration with Developing Health & Independence (DHI), a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals facing homelessness.

Since moving into his new home in September, Bruno has made significant strides in his recovery

By offering not only a secure place to live but also comprehensive support services, the initiative helps tenants rebuild their lives. These services include guidance on overcoming personal challenges, developing new skills, and improving employment prospects.

One of the inspiring success stories to come from the scheme is Bruno, a tenant who shared his journey with Darren Jones, the MP for Bristol North West and chief secretary to the treasury.

Bruno’s story is one of resilience, having faced long-term rough sleeping, struggles with poor mental health, and substance misuse. However, since moving into his new home in September, he has made significant strides in his recovery.

Thanks to support from DHI and his caseworker, Esther, Bruno is becoming abstinent and improving his mental wellbeing.

He is also actively involved in a range of activities, including cookery classes and a local forest group, and is about to begin volunteering at FareShare, a charity that redistributes surplus food to community organisations.

Darren Jones MP expressed his admiration for Bruno’s progress. He said: “It was inspiring to meet Bruno and see how social impact investing can change people’s lives.

“This government is committed to fostering the right environment for impact investment, which can unlock potential for individuals and communities, both here in Bristol and across the country.”

Resonance’s homelessness property funds are attracting capital from institutional investors such as pension funds and local authorities. The funds are used to acquire and refurbish properties, which are then leased to housing partners like housing associations and homelessness charities.

The focus is not only on providing secure housing but also on improving energy efficiency and ensuring the homes meet high standards.

Tenants in the programme, particularly those with complex needs, are given support with health, wellbeing, and employment opportunities by DHI.

For many of these individuals, the transition into stable housing represents a pivotal moment in their journey towards reintegration into society. DHI’s work is aligned with the government’s Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP), which helps those who have experienced rough sleeping move into long-term accommodation.

Daniel Brewer, chief executive of Resonance, highlighted Bristol’s homelessness crisis, noting that the city has the highest rate of homelessness in the South West, with over 1,500 households in temporary accommodation. Meanwhile, the cost of temporary accommodation across the UK continues to rise, with the annual expenditure reaching £2.29 billion.

“This is not a sustainable model,” Brewer said. “Our homelessness property fund offers a solution by bringing unused properties back to life, providing safe and stable homes for those who need them most.”

Brewer also emphasised the human impact of the funds, sharing that a visit to Bruno’s home had helped demonstrate the real-life difference the project is making.

“Bruno’s story clearly shows how having a proper home gives people the foundation to turn their lives around,” he said.

“Our funds are a powerful example of how social impact and local investment can not only address housing crises but also deliver positive outcomes for tenants, while helping local authorities save valuable resources.”

Bruno’s story is one of resilience, having faced long-term rough sleeping, struggles with poor mental health and substance misuse

Rosie Phillips, chief executive of DHI, said: “Bruno is a prime example of what can be achieved when people have a home to call their own,” Phillips said. “We know from experience that good quality, affordable housing has a profound impact, and social investment plays a vital role in making this possible.”

Resonance, whose headquarters are in Launceston, has a significant impact in South West with its office in Bristol as a social impact property fund manager.

All photos: Resonance 

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