A Liverpool housing organisation has joined forces with its Manchester counterpart to create a new regional provider aimed at strengthening services and investing in homes across the North West.
Liverpool Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) has merged with Manchester Jewish Housing Association (MJHA) to form the North West Jewish Housing Association (NWJHA), bringing together more than six decades of community-focused housing experience.
The new organisation will manage 310 homes across the region, including sheltered, supported, affordable and general needs accommodation for individuals, couples, families and older residents.
As part of the merger, the new provider will continue to operate Hillel House in Liverpool.
This student accommodation facility has played an important role in supporting the city’s Jewish community.
The merger received regulatory approval last month, including approval from the Financial Conduct Authority, with leaders saying the move will help protect the legacy of both organisations while creating opportunities for future growth.
New North West Housing Provider To Protect Liverpool Housing Legacy
North West Jewish Housing Association will be led by chairman Phil Geller and chief executive David Mintz, who previously held the same roles at Manchester Jewish Housing Association.
Phil Geller said the merger represented a significant moment for Jewish social housing across the region, bringing together two organisations with long histories of supporting their communities.
He said:
“MJHA was founded in 1959 and LJHA in 1975, and both have long histories of serving their communities and providing housing that reflects their needs.
“The housing needs of their respective communities have changed significantly over the years, and a merger at this time makes sense. Bringing them together is a natural and positive step.
““By joining forces, we are creating a stronger organisation with the scale, expertise, operational resilience and resources to invest in homes, support residents and meet future housing needs across the region.”
He added that while Liverpool’s Jewish population has changed over time, the assets and history of Liverpool Jewish Housing Association remain an important part of the city’s community landscape
Hillel House In Liverpool Part Of Future Plans
One of the key Liverpool links for the new organisation is Hillel House, which provides student accommodation in the city.
The organisation said it is exploring how specialist housing provision could support students and communities across the North West, including potential future partnerships.
Phil Geller said:
“Hillel House in Liverpool remains an important part of LJHA’s history and contribution to the city’s Jewish community.
“We have already started exploratory work with the Union of Jewish Students and other key stakeholders to better understand the potential role that specialist provision could play in supporting student welfare, community cohesion and security across other areas of the north west.”
The new housing association said its priorities will include improving existing homes, maintaining safe accommodation, strengthening engagement with residents and developing community activities.
David Mintz said the merger would allow the organisation to respond to changing housing needs while maintaining the personal approach residents expect.
He said:
“Our immediate focus is on delivering a smooth integration while maintaining the services that residents rely on every day.
“Over time, residents will benefit from a stronger organisation with greater capacity to invest in homes, enhance services and respond to changing housing needs across the region.”
The organisation will also look at opportunities to expand in the future, including potential partnerships with landowners, developers, local authorities and community groups to deliver more homes.
Alan Tinger, former chairman of Liverpool Jewish Housing Association, said the merger would ensure the organisation’s history and contribution to Liverpool’s Jewish community continue.
He said:
“Liverpool Jewish Housing Association has a proud history and an important legacy.
“This merger ensures that legacy is protected and carried forward within a stronger regional organisation.”
The North West Jewish Housing Association will now focus on bringing together both organisations while continuing to provide housing and support for residents across Liverpool, Manchester and the wider region.
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