Meet the new Greenhaus residents - Harriette

Harriette

Mature student Harriette Matthews is amongst the first residents to move in at Greenhaus.

The 29-year-old, who is studying to be a counsellor, has been staying on her dad’s sofa in his one-bedroom flat for the past seven months, following a relationship breakdown.

Harriette has autism and also suffers with scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine, and her difficult living conditions have been affecting both her physical and mental health.

She says moving into Greenhaus will transform her life.

“I just can’t put into words how much of a difference having my own home will make to my life,” she said.

“I’ve had a difficult few years, but I’ve been trying my best to get my life back together – I’m studying, I’ve had therapy, my mental health is the best it’s been – everything else was going right for me, but I just couldn’t catch a break with my housing situation, and I was starting to lose hope.

“When I got the call from my housing officer at Salix Homes to say I had a place at Greenhaus, I just couldn’t believe it – I feel so lucky. It’s feels like the final piece of the puzzle has finally slotted into place and I can start living my life now.”

Harriette has been allocated one of the 13 apartments available for affordable rent at Greenhaus.

Greenhaus has been built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard, which is the leading low-energy design standard. Passivhaus homes offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, providing a healthier living environment and homes that are cheaper to heat and run.

The building’s eco-credentials are the icing on the cake for Harriette. She said: “I know all about Passivhaus as I’d seen it on Grand Designs, and I always said to myself that when I get my own place I want it to be Passivhaus, and now I’m living in one – it couldn’t be more perfect.”

Greenhaus is located on Chapel Street, opposite Salford Cathedral, which is the ideal location for Harriette.

She added: “I grew up around Manchester, but my dad is a born and bred Salfordian, so Salford has a special place in my heart and Chapel Street has always been my favourite street in the city – it’s got the library, the museum, the cathedral – I love the history of the area and I’m so happy to be living there.”

Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, added: “Everyone deserves a place to call home and  hearing the stories and the journey that some of our new residents, like Harriette, have been on, really highlights the pressing need for more social and affordable housing in our communities, and is testament to the difference that having safe and secure housing can make.

“I’m so pleased to welcome our new residents, many who have faced the challenges of unstable living situations, as they embark on a new chapter in their lives at Greenhaus.”