Green Bridge Community Housing - giving lives back to the homeless in the region
As one of the largest social housing providers in the region, Green Bridge Community Housing (GBCH) is not only helping tackle the growing homelessness crisis but is ensuring those it helps are supported to become proactive, positive and engaged members of their communities.
But behind the scenes, one organisation is waging a quiet war...not just putting roofs over heads, but giving people their lives back.
GBCH is doing what others can’t - or won’t. They're not just battling a growing homelessness crisis across South and West Yorkshire. They’re building bridges to dignity, purpose and hope.
Based in both Sheffield and Leeds, the not-for-profit runs more than 500 bed spaces across the city. But that’s just the beginning.
Their secret weapon? A team of dedicated Supported Accommodation Officers who don’t just check in — they change lives.
It’s not just about finding a bed for the night, GBCH say it’s giving people the tools, support and confidence to be part of society again. And for many, it’s the first time someone’s ever believed in them.
As one of the largest social housing providers in Sheffield, GBCH is ensuring those it helps are supported to become proactive, positive and engaged members of their communities.
In addition to the outreach support for their service users, many of their clients can call in anytime for a chat, support or regular meetings with their allocated Supported Accommodation Officer, who work mainly with people referred through Sheffield City Council and other third sector organisations, to support people living in one of over 500 bed spaces
Alicia Lancaster, Executive Business and Communications Office for the not-for-profit organisation, said many people lacked the skills or confidence to move forward in other aspects of their lives, and often the reasons behind their homelessness have never been addressed.
“There is a crisis of homelessness in Sheffield. We all see it’s there, but it’s not just a case of getting a roof over someone’s head, we want people feel part of society and part of the community, so we focus on the tools they need to achieve this via tailored support.”
“There is a crisis of homelessness in Sheffield," Alicia added. "We all see it’s there, but it’s not just a case of getting a roof over someone’s head, we want people feel part of society and part of the community, so we focus on the tools they need to achieve this via tailored support.
“We work with them to come up with a support package to help them to live their best lives. All the staff members here see their work very much as a mission, rather than just a job”.
GBCH steps in where others fall short — working with survivors of domestic abuse, trafficking victims, refugees, care leavers, prison leavers and those struggling with mental or physical health issues. Many arrive with nothing but trauma and shame. GBCH gives them a second chance.
It works with a range of people facing homelessness including people at risk of, and survivors of, domestic violence or trafficking, adults at risk, people with mental health issues or physical disabilities, care leavers, refugees, and prison leavers.
This year, they even launched a new mental health hub in Sheffield — a safe, welcoming space where clients can connect, relax, enjoy games and activities and also access tailored mental health support from specially trained staff. It was opened by the Lord Mayor, with Olympic runner Imran Rahman lending his support. A small space. A huge impact.
A supported accommodation officer will each work with around 15 clients, building up that personal rapport. And generally clients stay in the supported accommodation for around 18 months before getting help to move on to their next chapter.
“This is just one of the ways we are working closely with local authorities and partners to reintegrate individuals into society, as well a providing long-term housing solutions,” explains Alicia.
But GBCH doesn’t stop at housing. They’re out in the community, rolling up their sleeves — from litter picks to mural painting at local schools, like the one they helped to paint at Owler Brook Primary School, as part of the Sheffield City Council Pagehall area week of action in March.
This isn’t just charity. It’s a movement.
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Green Bridge actively seeks meaningful partnerships within local communities, welcoming opportunities that align with their mission to end homelessness and serve as a bridge to a brighter, more independent future for the individuals they proudly support.
To keep up to date with their work, follow them on their social media pages.
LINKS:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GreenBridgeHousing