Church Housing Association
The Church Housing Association (CHA) is registered as a Community Benefit Society, chaired by the Bishop of Manchester David Walker, with the aim of making the aspirations of the Coming Home report a lived reality. The CHA expects to own much of the social housing that is delivered and aims to establish ‘5S’ homes in locations with strong local church and community support for those in housing need.
CHA is actively collaborating with the Church Development Agency (CDA) and dioceses around the West Midlands to identify suitable social housing opportunities. An agreement has been reached with Bromford Housing for the management and maintenance of CHA’s initial homes.
For its first sites, CHA has agreed to acquire a small number of new Section 106 homes in Innsworth, Gloucester. Additionally, CHA has commissioned the CDA to lead negotiations and initial planning for two adjacent social housing sites in Winson Green, Birmingham—an area with significant housing needs and strong backing from the local Newbigin Trust community outreach.
To fund its initial housing in Gloucester, CHA has secured a long-term loan from Gloucester diocese, which is also funding a part time CEO and consultancy support for three years. Meanwhile CHA is in regular discussion with Homes England regarding its development plans and grant funding needs while also engaging with banks and other potential lenders for additional financial support.
For more information, contact the project leader, Aileen Evans, and the CHA’s own website (forthcoming).
Church Housing Association News
