Safe, Secure & Supported Accommodation To Help You Resettle
Our History & Foundation
Northbridge Housing CIC was established in 2018 in Birmingham to address inequality in housing provision for refugees and newly arrived communities. Founded on the principle of community self-help, we began operations as a managing agent, creating opportunities and building social capital within diverse ethnic groups.
Our Mission
We support vulnerable homeless people to achieve greater independence and find permanent move on accommodation.
Our Vision
To grow as the lead accommodation-based support provider for vulnerable adults and low-income families in the communities in which we operate. Standing up as the voice for the sector and the community to ensure policy and practice supports their growth.
Our Core Values
Treat everyone with dignity and do the right thing
Help tenants and staff grow, thrive and become independent
Act on feedback and reflect our communities’ needs
Build supportive neighbourhoods and work in partnership
Leadership & Governance
Founder & Managing Director
For the past 16 years, Osman has been working in the social housing sector with particular focus on resettling refugees. He has held senior leadership positions in housing operations, developing extensive expertise in refugee resettlement, strategic planning, and housing provision.
He holds a first-class Master in Entrepreneurship from Gothenburg School of Economics and Commercial Law. Osman is originally from Somaliland and came to Europe as a refugee, bringing lived experience to our leadership.
Co-Founder and Operations Director
Abdirahman has worked almost 20 years in the Social Housing sector, developing deep knowledge in housing, welfare and immigration issues. He has held senior management positions in housing operations, overseeing numerous accommodation schemes and strategic housing initiatives. Over the years he has personally accommodated thousands of homeless clients in Birmingham, earning an excellent reputation within refugee communities for his responsiveness and willingness to go above and beyond.
His extensive leadership experience spans all aspects of housing management including voids, rental income, repair management, property acquisitions and tenancy management.
Strategic Director
Richard brings over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, innovation management, and sustainable development to Northbridge Housing. He holds qualifications from Harvard Business School in Creating Shared Value and a BSc in Manufacturing Systems and Manufacturing Management from Cardiff University. Richard has extensive expertise in refugee integration services, having previously held senior leadership roles including Chief Innovation Officer positions where he spearheaded strategic business planning and growth initiatives.
His experience includes developing innovative business models, securing multi-million pound contracts, and leading digital transformation strategies. Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and specializes in grant writing, project management, and strategic planning. His current work focuses on sustainable development and creating business opportunities that address societal challenges.
What Drives Us
We are motivated by the desire to correct inequality in housing provision, demonstrate community self-help, create economic opportunities, and help build social capital. As a dynamic, viable and independent supportive housing provider, we provide good quality homes and excellent services, supporting people and communities in need and improving lives.
Our Approach
Today we provide homes and services for people from a diverse range of ethnic groups. We support vulnerable homeless people to achieve greater independence and find permanent move-on accommodation. Our unique strength lies in our team – many of whom are former refugees themselves – bringing cultural understanding, language skills, and lived experience to every interaction.
Organizational Structure
As a Community Interest Company, we operate with transparency and accountability while maintaining our social mission. Our governance structure ensures we remain focused on our primary purpose: supporting refugees and newly arrived communities toward successful resettlement and independence.
