Housing association merger creates stronger service for people experiencing homelessness

08/11/16

November 2016

Housing association merger creates stronger service for people experiencing homelessness

Salvation Army Housing Association (saha) and Chapter 1 Charity Ltd are pleased to announce their plans to merge the two organisations.  Chapter 1 will become a subsidiary of saha, a move that is anticipated to complete by the end of this month.

John Matear, Chairman for the Salvation Army Housing Association said: “By combining our services we combine our strengths and expertise, enabling us to better serve the most vulnerable people in society.”

The merger will create an organisation of over 4,200 properties across the UK which will include residential centres and move-on housing for people who have experienced  homelessness. Support services are set to grow while the organisations also continue to offer support for young people, people suffering from domestic abuse, people with mental health needs, among a number of others.

Clive Bodley, Chairman of Chapter 1 said: “Merging the two organisations creates a great opportunity to build a stronger offer that is able to better meet the needs of our communities. By joining saha, we enable the primary purposes of Chapter 1 Charity to be met within an organisation that recognises and values the Christian ethos that brought Chapter 1 into being. The Chapter 1 trustees believe the new, combined organisation will be well placed to enable more people to change their lives for the better.”

John Matear added: “We recognise that our residents must be comfortable and secure in their homes, and caring for their needs is of paramount importance. We will be ensuring that the grouping of our organisations does not disrupt their lives, their routine, or the consistency of the service they receive.

“With our two organisations operating together, we retain the very best of both in order to maintain our high standards of operation and secure our future growth. We are also able to strengthen our position to be able to protect our staff, residents and service users in today’s uncertain economic climate while addressing the ongoing need to be evermore efficient in the social housing sector.”

 

For more information please contact the Media Office:

Direct line: 020 7601 7025

Main office and OUT OF HOURS number: 020 3657 7555

pr@salvationarmy.org.uk

saha is an independent housing association registered with the Homes and Communities Agency. There are now more than 40 Lifehouses that have principally been provided as a result of a partnership with The Salvation Army. saha provides new development and a quality assurance monitoring service, while The Salvation Army is contracted by saha to provide support services in the residential centres. http://www.saha.org.uk

The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and registered charity working in 127 countries worldwide, offering friendship, practical help and support for people at all levels of need. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 community churches and social centres. Registered Charity Nos. 214779, 215174 and in Scotland SC009359, SC037691. For more information visit the website www.salvationarmy.org.uk

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