Manchester and Liverpool Jewish Housing associations join forces

Manchester Jewish Housing Association and Liverpool Jewish Housing Association have joined forces to establish the North West Jewish Housing Association.

The two long-established organisations in the north west have merged in a ‘landmark moment’ to form a single regional provider, with plans to strengthen services, invest in existing homes and explore opportunities for expansion.

Their newly combined portfolio of 310 homes includes sheltered, supported, affordable and general needs accommodation for single people, couples, families and older people, as well as the Hillel House student accommodation in Liverpool.

The new organisation will be led by chairman Phil Geller and chief executive David Mintz, who previously held the same roles at the Manchester Jewish Housing Association.

Calling the merger “a landmark moment for Jewish housing in the north west, bringing together decades of experience, shared values and a commitment to community”, Geller described the move as “one of the most significant developments in Jewish social housing in the north west for many years. 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 and values.

“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. Manchester’s Jewish community continues to grow, increasing demand for affordable and supported housing. While Liverpool’s Jewish population is smaller than it once was, LJHA’s assets, history and contribution remain hugely important.

Joining forces, he said, would create 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.”

“For the wider community, the message is that this merger protects an important communal housing legacy while creating a stronger vehicle for future Jewish housing provision across the north west.

He added that “in time, we may consider wider north west Jewish housing needs, including opportunities in other communities where demand exists,” noting that one potential avenue could be the provision of more student housing.

“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.”

David Mintz said: “The creation of NWJHA brings together two organisations with a shared commitment to providing high-quality housing and support for Jewish communities in both cities at a time when affordable, safe and community-sensitive housing remains a pressing need.

“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.

Alan Tinger, former chairman of LJHA, 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.

“While our community has changed over the years, the provision of housing that reflects the values and needs of Jewish residents remains as important as ever. We have great confidence that the values and purpose which guided us for many years will continue under the North West Jewish Housing Association banner.”

Regulatory approval for the merger, including from the Financial Conduct Authority, was granted last month.