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Selco builders’ merchants announces it will be supporting a project to create a specialist homeless facility to house rough sleepers in Salford.
The merchant is supporting property developer James Worthington with the construction, which is on the site of a former carpet shop, of eight new self-contained apartments that are capable of housing up to three people each.
Worthington said: “During the pandemic, we used the building to house the homeless and as a soup kitchen. It inspired me to build something which will create a long-lasting legacy to support those who are homeless in the local community.
“I know exactly how those people are feeling that that was me about 30 years ago. I ran away from home when I was 14 and slept anywhere I could before my friend’s dad let me stay with them and then had another bout of homelessness again in my 20s.”
Selco Builders’ Warehouse, which has four branches in Manchester, has donated £1,000 worth of materials – including stone and drainage products.
Worthington said he initially bought the site to build flats to sell on for profit but, after supporting the local community throughout the covid pandemic and inspired by his own troubles of the past, had a dramatic change of plan.
“We want to create a project that helps people out for more than just a few days. We will have life coaches, job opportunities and the service will be run by homeless charities to ensure that we are doing everything we can to help people get their lives back on track,” said Worthington.
Simon Lee, branch manager of Selco Salford, said: “From the moment I met James, I was inspired by the vision. It is a fantastic project which will make a real difference to homelessness in the local area and we are thrilled and proud to be playing a very small part in helping James deliver this exciting initiative.”
Selco has 75 UK branches and as well as offering trade services, Selco also has a strong digital presence including Click and Deliver and Click and Collect services, as well as a new app.
