GMCA 1386 - Greater Manchester Housing First and Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is issuing a Prior Information Notice (PIN) for Housing First programme and the Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme (RSAP). GMCA are building on the successful delivery of these current Homelessness accommodation programmes with the initiation to tender for Revenue funding to support people in their tenancies. Revenue funding for these projects has recently been secured from the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government for the financial year 2025-26. The contract length will be one year with the ability to extend annually for 3 more years, dependent on future funding being secured. Precise funding levels are yet to be determined, although expected to be in line with previous years funding of £3.5million annually. GMCA expects any commissioned provider to; • Have significant experience of delivering high quality, person centred support to individuals with multiple and complex needs with a history of rough sleeping and homelessness • Have a case management system to enable reporting in line with MHCLG requirements and GMCA outcomes for each service • Be able to fully mobilise from 1st April 2025. • Willing to comply with TUPE of existing staff on Housing First and RSAP contracts. Housing First Housing First is an innovative approach that prioritises providing stable, permanent housing to individuals experiencing prolonged homelessness and co-occurring conditions. Housing First is established in Greater Manchester supporting people who have multiple and complex needs in 300 properties spread throughout the region. Support ratios are intended to be at 1:6. The core principle of Housing First is that housing is a fundamental human right and should not be contingent on compliance with treatment or sobriety. The Housing First fidelity principles are essential to ensure the effectiveness of Housing First services. These principles are designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those with complex needs we expect any interested provider to fully endorse and demonstrate their belief in these key principles: 1. Housing as a Basic Human Right: Immediate access to housing without preconditions such as sobriety or participation in treatment. 2. Person-Centred Support: Tailored support based on individual needs, preferences, and goals. 3. Separation of Housing and Services: Housing is provided independently of support services, ensuring that losing housing is not a consequence of not engaging with services. 4. Recovery-Oriented Approach: Focus on recovery and well-being, supporting individuals to build a meaningful and satisfying life. 5. Harm Reduction: Support individuals in reducing the negative impacts of substance use and other risky behaviours, without requiring abstinence. 6. Active Engagement without Coercion: Building relationships and trust through consistent, non-coercive engagement. 7. Flexible Support for as Long as Needed: Providing support for as long as it is needed, with no time limits These principles help ensure that Housing First services are effective in supporting people to achieve positive outcomes and rebuild their lives. Rough Sleeper Accommodation Programme As RSAP 1 and 2 enter the final stage of property procurement means there will be circa 50-60 tenancies to support across the Greater Manchester Region. Support ratios are intended to be at 1:10. The tender is for revenue funding to provide intensive support to individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. Key benefits of the RSAP include: 1. Provision of Move-On Homes: RSAP focuses on creating long-term housing solutions for rough sleepers, ensuring they have a stable place to live. 2. Intensive Support Services: The programme provides comprehensive support to address the complex needs of individuals to maintain their tenancies and improve their quality of life. 3. Collaboration: working with partners from a spectrum of services to coordinated approach to support Rough Sleepers 4. Community Integration: By providing stable housing and support, RSAP helps individuals reintegrate into their communities, fostering social inclusion and reducing isolation. The tender of Housing First and RSAP contracts represents a significant step forward in addressing homelessness in Greater Manchester. Any parties interested in submitting will be required to demonstrate how they are able to comply with GMCA's Live Well agenda and place housing first at the centre of everything with do in Greater Manchester, improving the lives of GM residents. This approach will not only enhance individual outcomes but also contribute to the broader goal of reducing homelessness in the region. **** DOCUMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THE CHEST BY 24th JANUARY 2025****