£23m Investment Brings 136 Properties Back into Use to Tackle Homelessness in Bristol

A £23 million investment in homelessness property funds has helped secure sustainable housing for 530 people in Bristol, bringing 136 properties back into use and supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

The investment, made by social impact property fund manager Resonance, has focused on refurbishing homes in areas such as Southmead, Henbury, Bedminster, and Fishponds, creating long-term accommodation solutions for individuals who have previously experienced rough sleeping or temporary housing instability.

The scheme operates in partnership with Developing Health & Independence (DHI), a charity that provides wraparound support for tenants, ensuring they receive the help they need to rebuild their lives. This includes assistance with mental health, employment, and skills development, as well as social activities that aid reintegration into the community.

Darren Jones, MP for Bristol North West and Chief Secretary to the Treasury, visited one of the properties to meet Bruno, a tenant who has benefited from the scheme. After years of rough sleeping and struggling with addiction, Bruno now has a stable home and is making strides towards recovery with the support of his DHI caseworker.

Darren Jones MP commented:
“It was inspiring to meet Bruno and see how social impact investing can change people’s lives. This government is committed to creating the right environment for impact investment to unlock its potential for individuals and communities, here in Bristol and elsewhere around the country.”

Resonance works by attracting investment from pension funds and local authorities to acquire and refurbish properties, improving their energy efficiency and making them suitable for long-term tenancies. These properties are then leased to housing associations and homelessness charities, ensuring stability and expert management.

Daniel Brewer, CEO of Resonance, highlighted the financial and social impact of the initiative:
“Bristol has the highest rate of homelessness in the South West, with over 15,000 households in temporary accommodation. With councils facing financial pressure and temporary accommodation costs soaring, our homelessness property fund provides an innovative solution—bringing houses back into use and giving people safe places to call home.”

Through its Homelessness Property Funds, Resonance has helped more than 3,400 individuals and families across the UK, proving that social investment can be a practical solution to housing crises while reducing public spending on temporary accommodation.

Rosie Phillips, CEO at DHI, emphasised the impact of stable housing:
“Bruno demonstrates what people can achieve when they have a place to call home. We know the difference that good quality, affordable housing makes, and how social investment can play a crucial role in solving homelessness.