As Housing Matters enters 2015 its project manager, Joanna Chapman, reflects on the changes to the Manx-registered charity since it was founded in 2007.

Joanna, who joined Housing Matters in 2008 but will be leaving in January to return to the UK, said: ‘I’ll be sorry to leave but I am doing so safe in the knowledge that Housing Matters in 2015 is in a stronger position to continue its work than was previously the case, largely thanks to grant funding for one year we received from the Department of Heath and Social Security towards the end of 2014. Without it, our future was uncertain.

‘As an entirely self-funding charity it’s the best thing that could have happened and so encouraging to have such positive recognition from government of the vital support Housing Matters is offering 16 to 21-year-olds and vulnerable adults.’

From its early days as a winter night shelter Housing Matters has evolved into an influential third-sector body helping to prevent, reduce and manage homelessness, through education, advice and mediation. Importantly the charity has established vital links with a raft of professional agencies, tenants and landlords’ organisations to become a valued third sector partner in the delivery of services to those affected by or at risk of homelessness.

The charity is also working to ease food poverty in the Island in its role as referral agency for the Isle of Man food bank in association with the Salvation Army as fulfilment provider.

‘Our name, “Housing Matters”, says it all really. We believe people matter and that housing is a basic need.

‘As well as supporting the homeless we’re also working to change attitudes through community outreach and peer education programmes. Importantly, as a pioneer for change, Housing Matters is giving the homeless a voice and helping shape policy, to which government has been extremely receptive.

‘It’s all too easy to say homelessness is self-inflicted, but that’s hardly ever the case. Homelessness can strike anyone at any time, through redundancy, a relationship breakdown, or ill health, for example. Homelessness happens when people find themselves in situations they just can’t get out of.

‘It can be really tough for people when they feel they have to cope alone. Housing Matters’ role isn’t just about problem-solving; it’s about helping people to see a way forward, assessing the situation and setting those at risk on the right pathway before things escalate.

‘We’re working to restore self-worth to the homeless, so they feel valued and empowered to make the right choices.

‘Housing Matters has really moved on in the last few years thanks to our small but dedicated team and the positive links we’ve forged with government, as well as with voluntary and professional agencies. Underpinning that is a now clearly defined role and structure, supported by robust procedures and protocols, so we’re able to help the most vulnerable get their lives back on track.

‘That was always my vision and it’s a vision that’s now being realised, so I am leaving confident Housing Matters’ immediate future is secure and that it’s well placed to carry on giving the homeless a fair chance in life.’

Housing Matters director Bill Mummery said: ‘Jo will be sadly missed. Her drive and determination combined with great sensitivity have helped transform Housing Matters and broaden its reach, so that it is now helping to turn people’s lives around through a collaborative approach with other agencies.

‘Vulnerable homeless young people and adults often have complex needs; they don’t just want a roof over their head. Simply providing accommodation is not enough. Housing Matters recognises that people in crisis need access to a whole range of support mechanisms if they are to return to independent living and clearly the Department of Heath and Social Care shares that view, having provided us with grant funding for which we are most grateful.

‘Alone, no single charity, volunteer or government agency can prevent homelessness. Working together, however, can make a lasting impact. Jo has contributed enormously to that impact and we offer her our sincere thanks and good wishes for the future.’

Photo - Wishing Housing Matters project manager Joanna Chapman, second right, well ahead of her leaving for the UK are, left to right, Bill Mummery, Neal Mellon, the Rev Cyril Rodgers and Kat Ash. Picture Bill Dale.