In Manchester, UK, an unusual project for homeless men has appeared — Embassy Village. Its creators describe it as a “rehearsal for life”: it is not just a roof over one’s head, but full preparation for returning to society.
The complex includes 40 studio apartments with basic amenities and is located directly under a viaduct. The main condition for moving in is a willingness to start over. Housing is combined with an intensive support programme: residents are taught how to manage finances, cook, find work and keep it. There is one staff member for every six residents.
The project operates under strict rules: alcohol, drugs and visitors are prohibited. Life is built around community: shared dinners, sports facilities and a carpentry workshop. More than 130 local companies not only fund the project, but also offer residents jobs and training.
The average length of stay is about 14 months. According to the organisers, 92% to 95% of participants find work after completing the programme and move on to renting accommodation. This not only changes the lives of participants, but also reduces the burden on the social support system social support.
The organisers emphasise that most homeless people do not suffer from addictions. By different estimates, 45% to 60% of people ended up on the street because of relationship breakdowns or financial difficulties. Every 61st city resident has no stable housing. In addition, men are more often outside the priority groups for help (unlike, for example, families with children or women), and the waiting list for social housing for them can reach 15 years. In this context, Embassy Village is seen as an alternative model for addressing the problem of homelessness.
