Phil Geller, Chair of the Manchester Jewish Housing Association, gives us all the details on
the association’s proposed merger with its Liverpool counterpart.
In an exciting development for the community, the Manchester Jewish Housing Association (MJHA) and the Liverpool Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) have proposed plans to merge, with the goal of creating a more robust and unified organisation that can better serve the evolving housing needs of the community. This merger is expected to take place in early 2025 and will result in the formation of the North West Jewish Housing Association.
Both MJHA and LJHA share a rich history, having been established to address the housing and welfare needs of Jewish communities in their respective cities. Their commitment to providing quality housing and support services, particularly to older members of the community, has been a central tenet of their operations. Over the years, the organisations have worked independently yet collaboratively with local authorities, health providers, and other stakeholders to create sustainable housing solutions and promote the wellbeing of their residents.
Phil Geller, Chair of the MJHA, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, highlighting the significant benefits it will bring to both the Liverpool and Manchester Jewish communities: “Both organisations come from similar backgrounds, and we’ve always worked together in various capacities. This merger just makes sense. The combined entity will have a greater capacity to face regulatory challenges, adapt to changing housing needs, and amplify its voice within both the Jewish and housing sectors.”
One of the primary motivations behind the merger is to ensure that the new organisation will be better equipped to navigate the regulatory landscape, which is becoming increasingly complex. As a larger organisation, they will have more influence in policy discussions and will be able to deliver more robust services for their communities. The merger will also allow the two organisations to share resources and expertise, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a better overall service.
The new organisation, North West Jewish Housing Association, will not only focus on maintaining the high standards of service both MJHA and LJHA have set over the years but will also be in a stronger position to address the changing demographic and housing needs of the Jewish community. This includes increasing the availability of affordable housing and offering support for individuals with varying levels of need, from young people to those requiring specialised care.
“Both organisations come from similar backgrounds, and we’ve always worked together in various capacities.”
One of the key areas the merged organisation aims to improve is its outreach to the community: “We’ve already seen a significant increase in demand for housing services, and this merger will help us meet those needs,” said Phil. “The organisation will be better placed to offer a wider range of services, such as signposting people to appropriate housing and providing specialised housing for those with learning difficulties, affordability issues, and those fleeing domestic abuse.”
Additionally, the merger will enable the organisation to explore more ambitious projects, such as building new housing and securing government funding for large-scale developments. While these initiatives will take time to materialise, the merger will give the combined organisation the weight and resources needed to pursue these opportunities more effectively.
Current tenants of both associations needn’t worry, as the services provided will continue uninterrupted: “There will be no immediate changes to how services are delivered. Tenants will continue to have the same contacts and support they’ve always had. The only noticeable change will be the new name and branding, with the offices in both cities remaining open to ensure continued local presence. Importantly, staff from both organisations will remain in place, and the focus will be on enhancing services, not reducing them.”
“This merger will allow us to do more, do better, and make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The merger proposal has been met with a largely positive response from both communities. While there is always some apprehension about change, especially when it involves a trusted institution, the consultation process has reassured residents that the merger will not negatively impact their services. Phil noted that tenants were most concerned with practical issues such as rent collection and communication channels, and the organisation is working hard to ensure a smooth transition.
The collaboration, set to be finalised soon, represents an exciting new chapter for Jewish housing. The combined organisation will be better placed to tackle the housing challenges faced by Jewish communities in Liverpool, Manchester, and beyond, and the new North West Jewish Housing Association will continue to build on the legacy of both organisations, providing high- quality housing and support services that meet the evolving needs of the community.
Phil added: “We want to be the go-to place for anyone in the Jewish community who has housing needs, no matter how they identify. This merger will allow us to do more, do better, and make a real difference to people’s lives.”