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Launch Of First Ever Self-Help Housing Website

Earlier this year a new project (Self-Help-Housing.Org) was set up by three partner organisations and this week sees the launch of the first ever self-help housing website.

Jon Fitzmaurice from change making consultancy Agents for Change is excited to be launching a long cherished project.

Says Fitzmaurice:  “I started my career in self help housing a long time ago and since then I’ve done many things in housing and homelessness  However, my early experiences in Birmingham of bringing empty properties back into use, involving young people and mobilising communities have never left me.  If there was ever a time to revitalise self-help housing, then it’s now

David Floyd of project partner Social Spider CIC agrees:  “Now is certainly the time, and we’re excited to be involved in something that could change the face of so many communities.”

Heather Petch from hact added “The Government often talks about “empowering people” and here’s an ideal way in which people can take control. We’re particularly concerned about the plight of people at the margins, such a young people, people leaving institutions and refugees, and self-help housing is a great way to provide access to accommodation”.

The site, launching soon, contains a how to guide for any community groups who might like to get hold of disused property and return it to use.  It contains the first ever directory of existing self help housing projects, guidance and documents for setting up and sustain a project and a number of case studies