Bridging the gap to resource communities to lead their own affordable housing development
Affordable housing is a pressing issue in communities globally. The nuanced process of enabling local communities to lead housing developments is pivotal to creating homes that are affordable, sustainable, and integrated into their surroundings. In an insightful discussion with Tom Moore, a senior lecturer from the University of Liverpool, Zola and Tom explore how enabling hubs and community land trusts can serve as critical instruments to achieving this vision.
Check out the Homefullness Show on any podcast app, on the Common Ground YouTube channel or from the Common Ground website: https://www.commonground.net.nz/show
Recognizing Communities as Key Agents of Development
Tom emphasizes the importance of viewing communities as legitimate agents capable of leading their housing initiatives. Too often, community members are seen as mere consultees rather than active contributors who can drive projects from conceptualization to execution. Enabling Hubs step in to support this transformation by offering technical assistance, advocating for policy support, and bridging crucial gaps in resources, funding, development skills, and knowledge.
The Enabling Hubs Model: A Catalyst for Community-Led Housing
Enabling Hubs are professionally-staffed organizations designed to support the development of community-led housing by providing vital expertise in areas such as financing, land acquisition, and navigating legal and environmental complexities. A national initiative in England, supported by both government investment and charitable organizations, has led to the establishment of 28 such hubs. This model has significantly expanded the pipeline of community-led housing projects by improving local conditions through advocacy and direct support. These Hubs have either formed as new organisations or are embedded within existing community organisations.
Community Land Trusts: Emphasizing Affordability and Sustainability
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) have emerged as powerful models that enable perpetual affordability and community control over housing. Tom highlights how CLTs can be pivotal in preventing the commodification of housing and ensuring that developments are geared towards local needs. By owning land in trust, communities ensure that land-use decisions remain aligned with collective goals.
Education and Capacity Building: Training the Next Generation
Through his role at the University of Liverpool, Tom is actively involved in educating future planners on the importance of integrating community voices into housing development. He sheds light on university projects that engage students with local CLTs, equipping them with the practical skills necessary to collaborate effectively with communities.
Global Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Moore’s work and insights have been enriched by global collaborations, highlighting that while the contexts may vary, international exchanges can bring valuable perspectives and innovations. Projects like the Kensington Market CLT in Toronto serve as inspirational case studies that underscore the possibilities of community-led initiatives in urban centers.
The Final Vision: Housing as a Social Justice Issue
A recurring theme in the discussion is the recognition of housing as a social justice issue. Tom calls for ideologies that prioritize diverse housing needs, ensuring social equity and sustainable community development over privatization and market-led approaches. The conversation showcases that although challenges are numerous—from financial barriers to policy roadblocks—the potential benefits of community-led housing extend beyond just providing shelter, by fostering vibrant, empowered communities.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Housing Together
Zola's exploration with Tom showcases the transformative potential of community-led housing approaches. With the right support systems, like Enabling Hubs and the leveraging of Community Land Trusts, we can empower communities to take charge, leading to a future where affordability and sustainability are within reach for all. The intricate fabric of housing development becomes a little more beautiful when woven together by the hands of those who call it home.
As we look forward to realizing this vision, the collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support across borders and communities remain crucial.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
Books
https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/creating-community-led-and-self-build-homes
https://uclpress.co.uk/book/postcapitalist-countrysides/
https://www.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/doi/book/10.3828/9781789621082
Podcast
https://middlemarchclh.co.uk/podcasts/
Springhill co housing - https://www.springhillcohousing.com
Enabling hubs report - https://www.shu.ac.uk/centre-regional-economic-social-research/publications/homes-in-community-hands-year-three-evaluation-report
Accreditation training - https://www.cch.coop/clh-training-programme/