New hope for young homeless families in Salford with innovative housing pods

In Salford, a new initiative is set to bring much-needed relief to young families who find themselves without a place to call home.

Salford Foyer, a crucial service run by the social enterprise Places for People, has received the green light to build six innovative modular homes on Seedley Road.

This project, fuelled by creativity and compassion, promises to offer young single-parent families not just a roof over their heads but a real chance to rebuild their lives.

Salford Foyer – an innovative scheme to tackle homelessness

These new homes are not your typical housing solution.

They represent a fresh approach to tackling homelessness, using modern construction techniques to create safe, independent living spaces.

Each unit will be equipped with everything a young family needs—a kitchen, living area, bathroom, and bedroom—allowing them to live with dignity and privacy.

But perhaps even more importantly, residents will have access to the ongoing support provided by Salford Foyer, which has been a lifeline for homeless young people in the area for nearly three decades.

“A lifeline for homeless people”

The idea behind these modular homes is simple but powerful: to give young families a stable place to start over.

Homelessness among young people is a growing crisis, with nearly 136,000 individuals aged 16-24 across the UK seeking help from local authorities last year alone.

In the North West, the situation is particularly dire, with the number of young people at risk of homelessness rising by over 2% in just a year.

With rents continuing to climb and benefits shrinking, those most vulnerable—like young single-parent families—are feeling the squeeze.

LandAid x Salford Foyer

The new homes in Salford are partly funded by LandAid, a charity that supports life-changing services for young people facing homelessness.

The money was raised through LandAid’s SleepOut event in Greater Manchester, where hundreds of people from the property and charity sectors spent a night sleeping outside in the cold.

It’s a small glimpse into the harsh reality that many homeless people endure daily, and the funds raised are now being used to create lasting solutions.

For those who have passed through Salford Foyer, the impact of having a safe place to stay and support during tough times is life-changing.

Stories from the street

James, a young man who was helped by the Foyer, shared his story: “When I was 17, I was kicked out of my parents’ home and didn’t know where to turn. I was trying to keep up with college, but without a stable place to live, it was nearly impossible.

“Salford Foyer took me in and helped me manage my finances and stay on track with my studies.

“They also helped me build my confidence through activities like football, where I got to connect with the community. Now, they’re helping me find my own place and get ready for university.”

Stories like James’s highlight the critical role Salford Foyer plays in the lives of young people who find themselves homeless and alone. With the addition of these six new modular homes, the Foyer will be able to extend its reach, offering more young families the chance to find their footing and move towards a brighter future.

Rachel Crownshaw, Group Managing Director for Communities at Places for People

Rachel Crownshaw, Group Managing Director for Communities at Places for People, spoke about the importance of expanding the Foyer’s services. “Salford Foyer is a lifeline for young people who have nowhere else to go.

“Many of them come to us with complex challenges—whether it’s a family breakdown, financial troubles, or domestic abuse. We do more than just provide a place to stay; we work closely with them to help them overcome these challenges and move on to a stable home of their own.

“We’re proud to have helped 53 young people move into permanent homes in the last two years, and we’re excited to be able to support even more with these new homes.”

Nathan Cornish, Chair of LandAid’s North West board, echoed this enthusiasm.

“We’ve been looking for a project where we could really make a difference, and the Salford Foyer proposal was the perfect fit.

|We’re thrilled to support such an important initiative, and we can’t wait to see these homes open and helping young families who desperately need them.”

For the young families who will soon move in, these homes represent much more than just a place to live—they offer a fresh start and a brighter future.

With the support of Places for People and LandAid, this project is set to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

You can find out more about Salford Foyer by clicking here