Empty properties that have been left vacant in Leeds are to be brought back into use and transformed into affordable homes as part of a move by Leeds Action to Create Homes (Latch) to provide more accessible housing in the area.
It is a welcome and much-needed move, considering that figures from the beginning of the year showed over 23,000 people to be on the council house waiting list.
Prior to the pandemic, Leeds was already gripped in a housing crisis – but new figures suggest the pandemic has worsened the situation.
It’s now estimated that over 3,500 residential properties currently stand empty in the city, whilst even seven hours a family are finding themselves without a home.
Those that are available are also often unaffordable to people on low incomes.
Derelict abandoned houses in Chapeltown, Harehills, and Burley are set to be transformed into affordable housing for families and those on low incomes as part of a new initiative, which first requires Latch to raise £350,000 to cover the costs of renovations.
These funds will cover the renovation costs of six currently abandoned and derelict properties which will then be made available to those most in need.
And once they have moved in, the charity doesn’t just stop there. Rather, they’re on hand to support people to get their lives in order with everything from financial advice to mental health support.
Latch also gives people job opportunities, giving those who have been long-term unemployed the chance to learn trade skills in construction by working on renovation projects alongside their team.
All funds raised from the public will then be matched by their traditional funding model which draws upon grants and loans.
“The Community Share Issue is a way for local communities to give back and make a real difference here in Leeds whilst also benefiting financially themselves,” said James Hartley, CEO of Latch.
“This is the first time we will have raised funds like this in our 30 year history but it’s an established model in the social housing and wider charity sector with Leeds Community Homes leading the way here in 2018.
“More properties mean we can change more lives. Six new properties mean we could help six more adults and three more children on top of the 140 people already helped each year.
“Renovated houses also have benefits for the wider Leeds community, with derelict properties tending to be hubs of antisocial activity.
“We’re really proud of the long legacy of positive impact we have on both individual lives and those of the communities in which we work.”
Feature image – Ian S.
