A large London homelessness charity has announced that it has merged with a small Hackney-based housing association.
The Single Homeless Project, which supports more than 10,000 people in London each year, has taken on Peter Bedford Housing Association as a subsidiary to form a new group, while enabling the housing association to retain its name, identity and status as a registered housing provider.
Peter Bedford Housing Association, which was set up in the 1960s, manages 324 homes across London, alongside providing specialist housing and supporting people around mental health, learning disabilities and other needs.
It has a charitable arm, the Peter Bedford Trust, which supports its work.
The Single Homeless Project provides a range of services across London including homelessness prevention, rough-sleeping outreach, provision of hostels and supported accommodation, and specialist support for women and young people.
Liz Rutherfoord, the charity’s CEO, said of the merger: “Peter Bedford Housing Association brings valuable housing expertise, strong relationships and a shared commitment to the people we support.
“By coming together, we can build on what each organisation already does well, explore new ways of working and create more opportunities for people to leave homelessness behind for good,” she added. “This isn’t about growth for growth’s sake. It’s about what we can achieve together and the difference we can make for people experiencing homelessness.”
Clare Norton, chief executive of Peter Bedford Housing Association, said: “[We have] a proud history of providing homes and support for people who need them.
“Becoming part of Single Homeless Project gives us an opportunity to build on that history while retaining the identity, expertise and local relationships that make our organisation distinctive.
“We share a commitment to listening to the people we support and using their experiences to shape what we do. We’re excited about the opportunities this new relationship creates for our tenants and the people we support, both now and in the future.”
