Church Housing Association gains approval from social housing regulator

The Church Housing Association (CHA) has just completed the registration process with the social housing regulator and is now an RP – a registered provider of social housing. This will enable its work to begin formally, under the leadership of Aileen Evans.

New houses on the development at Innsworth where CHA will acquire first homes

CHA’s Chair, the Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said, "Registration with the RSH represents a crucial step in our journey to put the recommendations of the Coming Home report into practical action. The report challenged us to reimagine housing as more than just bricks and mortar, but as the foundation for human flourishing. With regulatory recognition, we can now expand our work to create truly affordable homes that build community and dignity. We are excited to start our journey with the acquisition of seven homes in Innsworth, Gloucester later this year.”

Aileen is now working on securing finance to grow CHA’s capacity and to acquire new social homes. Her conversations so far with Homes England and Lloyds Banking Group have been positive and encouraging.

The lead bishop for housing, the Right Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, said, “I'm delighted to see that CHA has been formally registered. This is an important step in the journey inspired by the Coming Home report, which called the Church to respond to the housing crisis. At the heart of this response is building homes and communities together – physical houses along with those relationships and social connections which provide the soul of new housing.”

A great oak tree starts life as an acorn, and we pray that the CHA will likewise grow over time from these small beginnings, to become well known for providing decent, affordable homes in caring, flourishing communities.