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# Manchester opens first LGBTQ+ homeless shelter
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/manchester-opens-first-lgbtq-homeless-shelter/
- Published: 2021-01-05T12:12:20.000Z
- Updated: 2021-01-05T10:16:24.000Z
- Description: 2021 has seen the opening of The Riverside Housing Project in Manchester city centre, which provides accommodation for homeless LGBTQ+ people.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, LGBTQ, Manchester, UK News

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/lgbt-homeless-shelter-manchester-1.jpg)

2021 has seen the opening of **The Riverside Housing Project** in **Manchester** city centre, which provides accommodation for homeless LGBTQ+ people and a safe space *“free from discrimination”.* According to the [**Manchester Evening News**](https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/lgbt-homeless-accommodation-service-riverside-19512987?ref=scenemag.co.uk), the building consists of six modern flats, and additional support services will be provided to residents. The project has been supported by mayor **Andy Burnham’s A Bed Every Night** (ABEN) initiative, which is aiming to provide short-term accommodation for every homeless person in the city. It is the latest in developments by housing organisation **Riverside**, which signed the **HouseProud Pledge** scheme that aims to support housing companies in providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people.

One of the first residents to move into the tailored properties was 61-year-old **Elaine**, who was transferred from an emergency hotel provision, and said: *“Living here is like being with family so I don’t feel like I’m on the outside. The staff have experience with LGBT+ people and can provide the help needed. It’s nice to be included and I’m pleased that there are staff here to help me – it is all quite overwhelming.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/elaine-manchester-1.jpg)

Elaine was among the first to move into the new accommodation

She continued: *“I’m over the moon that everything is falling into place and I can start to live a normal life. I’m very fortunate to be able to spend Christmas in my new home and it is a fresh start to the new year.”* **Eleanor Watts**, Riverside’s area manager, said. *“Many people identifying as LGBTQ+ can end up homeless due to a variety of reasons such as losing their job or a family breakdown after coming out so they have little or no support from their relatives. It can also be difficult for LGBT+ people to open up to others especially those in authority so this supported service will help break down these barriers.”*

**Luthfur Rahman**, Manchester council’s lead member for homelessness, said homelessness disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ people: *“LGBTQ+ people are presented with challenges beyond those affecting others vulnerable to homelessness. Discrimination remains an intolerable part of our society and I think it’s crucial that we can provide the tailored support people need to feel safe and secure if they need to access homeless accommodation.”*

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/manchester-pride-1.jpg)

Manchester Pride 2018