Women Uniting for Ethical Investment in Affordable Housing
Dionne Payn, Founder of Women for Homes
In our recent podcast episode of the Homefullness Show, Zola sat down with Dionne Payne, a beacon of ethical investment through her initiative, Women for Homes. This blog post dives into the insightful conversation, highlighting how ethical investment, financial literacy, and community engagement are vital tools in reshaping our approach to housing with a focus on affordability, agency, and sustainability.
The Ethical Investment Model
Dionne, the trailblazer behind Women for Homes, shares her visionary model aimed at inspiring one million women to invest $5,000 apiece towards building sustainable and affordable homes. This initiative isn't just about obtaining financial returns; it's about fostering social good and potentially ending homelessness. Dionne emphasizes a collaborative approach, encouraging women to join forces and collectively contribute to achieving impactful social outcomes.
Building a Community of Women Ethical Investors
The ethos of Women for Homes is rooted in community and collaboration. Dionne highlights the significance of building a network of informed and motivated women ready to revolutionize the housing sector. Through the Financially Empowered Women Podcast and online engagement, Dionne provides a platform for women to learn, connect, and grow together, emphasizing that investing is not just for the uber-wealthy but can be accessible to all.
Navigating the Landscape as a Woman Developer
In the often male-dominated field of property development, Dionne shares her experiences of navigating this landscape as a woman. She discusses the different dynamics women face in development and the unique perspectives they bring to the table. Women developers advocate for values such as sustainability, community focus, and building belonging, challenging the status quo and offering diverse housing solutions that resonate with a broader audience.
The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women
Financial literacy is a cornerstone of empowerment. Dionne underscores the importance of women becoming financially informed, recognizing that financial acumen can significantly impact one’s ability to invest and secure a stable future. Through her initiatives, Dionne aims to educate women on financial matters, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions about their investments and futures.
The 14 One-Bedroom House Development Dionne developed
14 one-bed affordable townhouses developed by Dionne
One of Dionne’s notable projects includes the development of 14 affordable one-bedroom townhouses. The project emphasized social housing and diversity in ownership, with tenure-blind ownership meaning that no one knew which were the “social housing”—those receiving a government subsidy.
The Framework of One Planet Living
Dionne discusses the One Planet Living framework in the UK that outlines sustainable community living by focusing on reducing ecological footprints while enhancing the quality of life. It serves as a guide for developers and communities aiming to create thriving, sustainable neighborhoods.
Community Land Trust Model for Retained Affordability
Zola speaks to the Community Land Trust model, which ensures perpetual affordability by decoupling land ownership from home ownership. This model allows for sustainable and affordable housing to remain accessible across generations, aligning with Dionne's values of long-term impact and community stability.
Inspired by Innovative Housing Models in the UK for Sustainability & Social Cohesion
Dionne shares inspiring examples of housing that embody innovative, sustainable, and community-focused designs. From the zero-energy homes in South London called BedZed to a hemp-based living community in Oxfordshire with GreenCore Homes, these projects illustrate the potential for housing models that prioritize sustainability and social cohesion.
The Nuance of the Definition of Affordability
During the conversation, Dionne and Zola discuss the definition of affordability with a focus on what is affordable to the residents of being no more than 30% of their income on housing-related costs. They highlight that affordable housing should not just be associated with “low-income” people but viewed as essential for a broad spectrum of income levels.
Collecting Expressions of Interest in the Ethical Fund
Currently, Dionne is in the phase of collecting expressions of interest for the ethical fund. She outlines the strategic steps being taken to lay the groundwork for substantial, impactful investments that align with Women for Homes’ mission of creating affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing. So, signing up with Women for Homes will give members a chance to learn and create connection with other women until a critical mass of women is created at which point the fund will open for investment.
Conclusion
Dionne stresses the power of ethical investment for housing, community-focused investing, and financially-educated women. Her initiative is redefining housing solutions, championing inclusive communities, and empowering women to take active roles in investing for their futures and the betterment of society.
Links from the Show
Women for Homes: https://www.women4homes.com/
Download free copy of Ethical Investing e-book: https://www.women4homes.com/complimentary_book_digital
BedZed community: https://oneplanet.com/bedzed-the-uks-first-eco-village/
GreenCore Homes in the UK: https://greencorehomes.co.uk/
Homefullness Patreon Community: https://www.patreon.com/commonground_zola