Recently, Henry Boot Construction helped paint the new Longford Centre in Chorlton, Manchester. The centre was previously used as a care home for the elderly and is currently being refurbished to create the new shelter.

Willing volunteers in the Manchester region helped paint the 38 rooms, including the reception, lounge, dining room, hallways, offices and bedrooms. We volunteered to assist with the painting and help speed up this worthwhile task. Once finished, the shelter will be a safe place where people can stay and receive food and temporary 24/7 accommodation. There will also be advisors available. to help improve people’s confidence and help them find work or training.

The shelter will open to residents this month and aims to reduce the number of rough sleepers on the streets of Manchester and help prevent people from becoming homeless, by supporting those in need to move forward in their lives. The Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham said he has a vision to ensure there will be no rough sleepers in Manchester by 2020, by increasing the number of shelters like the Longford Centre.