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Housing for older women (however you want to define them or their financial status) has a long and often overlooked history. In the past, charitable institutions and alms-houses offered communal living spaces, providing shelter and care for women who lacked financial security. While these homes gave women protection, they often came at the expense of personal autonomy. Single women could relocate to live with family (losing their local community and sense of place) or remain in large homes that they don’t want to live in but can’t afford to change (or available housing is not where they want to live). Today, the concept of affordable housing has evolved, emphasizing independence, dignity and choice. But what if we combined the best of both worlds? How can we take the community focus of historical housing models and apply it to today's affordable housing solutions for older women? There are many innovative affordable housing models around the world that focus on creating supportive and thriving environments for older women (just Google it!). There are common elements across these examples: Focus on Community Many of these housing projects incorporate co-housing or communal spaces that encourage social interaction and mutual support which is particularly important for older women who may face isolation. Access to Services Whether through wrap-around services or proximity to healthcare and transportation, these housing models ensure that residents have access to the support they need to maintain independence and well-being. Location Many successful projects are located in urban or semi-urban areas, giving residents easy access to public services, transportation, and opportunities for social engagement, which reduces isolation and supports them living in home for longer. Diversity and Inclusion Several projects emphasize inclusivity, with some specifically targeting women from different backgrounds or life experiences, recognizing the diverse needs of older women. And how much they can contribute to place. These examples show that when planners, developers and policymakers work together it’s possible to create sustainable/affordable housing solutions that allow older women to age in place with dignity, security and community. As we rethink housing for this vulnerable yet resilient group, creating environments where independence meets community, remember that social connection is key to helping older women thrive. #HousingForAll #CommunityLiving #AffordableHousing #AgingWithDignity #WomenEmpowerment #Launceston

The Homes and Communities Board had their most recent meeting at Brunelcare where members discussed ways to enable informed and meaningful consultation on housing developments in the city. Leads from the board’s sub-groups also presented updates on the board’s priority activity such as how the board can help tackle damp and mould, address homelessness and improve temporary accommodation in the city.    The board was also updated on the Race Equality and Housing working group which aims to deliver the One City priority goal to improve race equality in housing. To support delivery of this priority goal the group, set up by Stand Against Racism & Inequality, National Housing Federation, Bristol City Council and local housing associations: Abri Group, Ashley Community Housing, Alliance Homes Group, Brighter Places, Curo, Elim Housing Association, have co-created an action plan. This action plan prioritises:    - Buildings, design and social innovation  - Housing management and service delivery  - Policies and procedures for race equality and race hate crime  - Representation and engagement for boards, staff, and service users  - Community cohesion and welcoming new communities  - Wide adoption of the UK’ Social Housing Anti-Racism Pledge (SHARP)    Offer: Interested in the using the SHARP framework, or finding out more about the Race Equality Action plan? Contact city.office@bristol.gov.uk to find out more.    Ask: Consider following the SHARP framework and promoting an inclusive operational culture where people are comfortable talking about race. 

Hey y'all. The findings of our inaugural Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity community survey are now available along with a presentation of the data by our partners at The MassINC Polling Group. Review the data: https://lnkd.in/eYtZuZgX Watch the presentation: https://lnkd.in/gtZU-zc3 Among the findings: 💰 68% of respondents and majorities of every cross-section of Brookline said, yes, it’s getting harder for me to afford to live in Brookline. 🏘 Housing emerged as the top issue, with 65% of respondents saying affordable housing would be most impactful economically, including 82% supporting income restricted and 74% supporting high density housing. 🏢 A strong majority (63%) of respondents indicated support for rent control, including 87% of renters and 89% of Black and Latino respondents. 🗳 Local Government Leaders were viewed most *unfavorably* in addressing racial disparities, with 28% of AAPI and 25% of Black and Latino respondents saying local leaders are doing poorly at working to reduce racial disparities. 💵 Large majorities *strongly* support shifting resources & increasing taxes to make housing more affordable, address food insecurity, and expand childcare options. That holds for every demographic, indicating widespread support to reallocate our municipal budget and raise revenues to address these needs. 🎯 Our task in desegregating Brookline is clear as ever – access, inclusion, and opportunity starts with affordability. Our residents understand that, and we need our government to get active in implementing these solutions ASAP.

Check out one of my latest articles on strategies PHAs can implement to advance equitable outcomes for residents!

As the nationwide housing crisis rages on, the city of Detroit is celebrating a milestone in its efforts to invest in and create more #affordablehousing in the past five years. Nearly 5,000 units have been added to Detroit's affordable housing stock and over $1 billion has been invested thanks to its city council, partners, developers, and the mayor. The community-oriented mission was "to ensure that longtime Detroiters of all income levels can live in any neighborhood they choose" and to prevent homelessness and tent cities that are commonly seen in other major metro areas. NEF is proud to be a partner on several affordable housing developments in Detroit, including housing that serves #LGBTQ+ youth, individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and permanent #supportivehousing. Our vision is that all individuals and families across the country can reach their full potential through access to stable, safe and affordable homes, and we are committed to ending the homelessness crisis. Learn more about Detroit's efforts in the article below. https://lnkd.in/gEdH8rRm

New report now live! This important new report "Community Led Housing For All" details how community-led could help tackle racial inequalities in housing AND how we can address barriers to CLTs and other CLH for Black and minority ethnic communities. Key findings: - Community led housing is a way for communities experiencing racial inequality to influence planning and development processes - Awareness of community led housing with communities experiencing racial inequality is low, leading to under-representation in leadership roles - The sector needs to improve data collection to provide a quantitative understanding of representation - The potential for proactive engagement and more inclusive decision-making to ensure funding and delivery models are shaped by lived experience - The potential and benefits of greater peer-to-peer support - The need for long-term funding for the sector Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/d6TiPRNc As co-funders alongside Nationwide Foundation, Power to Change and The Tudor Trust, we're incredibly grateful to researchers Claude Hendrickson MBE, Henri Baptiste, Tom Moore, and Yael Arbell, as well as all of the interviewees who shared their experiences to help shape this report and its recommendations. Their work and contributions offers key guidance as we all take our next steps to making community-led housing a more inclusive sector and a better route to housing equality.

Excited to share insights from our latest article: "Disabled People in the Housing Sector: Resetting the Dial to Inclusion by Design." Learn about the challenges faced by disabled communities in finding suitable housing and the provision of support offered to them. 💡 🔍 The article sheds light on funding challenges, emphasising the urgent need for increased government investment to bridge the gap between demand and available resources. Discover the pivotal role of inclusive design principles and accessible infrastructure in fostering a more supportive housing environment for disabled individuals. Connecting the council to the Commons, this article provides insight from key local councillors, including Jess Lennox and Chris Willmore 🤝 Join us in fostering collaborative partnerships across sectors to enhance disability housing and address the broader housing emergency. Together, let's pave the way towards a future where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and inclusive housing options. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gRvb3sEu #HousingSector #DisabilityHousing #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility #Collaboration #ChamberUK #DiversityandInclusion

Insightful evening last night spent with Planning Institute of Australia, Women's Property Initiatives, Urbis, and peers discussing access to housing and the barriers faced by vulnerable women in the community. Some key takeaways 💭 🏠 Homelessness is a complex societal issue, influenced by a variety of socio-economic factors. There is no universal solution to cater for all individuals, who each have varying needs. 🧑🧑🧒🧒 In some cases, particular cohorts such as low income key workers or older women with existing assets (but not enough to access market housing) can be missed as they are not immediately apparent as being vulnerable to homelessness. 🔑 What is apparent, is that our policymakers and wider planning and development industry need to come up with innovative solutions, and fast, while we have the current Government momentum with unlocking housing delivery. 🏡 Some great examples were shared by panel members including co-housing for older women, ground lease model initiatives, and incorporating housing targets for specific vulnerable cohorts into housing strategies. Some ideas to share with the team.

🚨 Spotlight Workshop🚨 Housing First & Women: Keys to deliver Housing First programmes specifically targeted for Women. 📍 Dublin Castle, Dublin, Ireland 📅 18-19-20 November 2024 ➡ Join us at the Housing First Europe Hub Conference "New Horizons in Housing First" in Dublin, where we will be hosting a special workshop exploring the unique challenges and successes of Housing First programmes for women. Women facing homelessness often encounter specific barriers. In this session, Lena Wild from Housing First für Frauen and Tina Threadgold from MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) will delve into: 🔑 What’s Working: A look at successful Housing First projects in Berlin and Manchester and the impact they have had on women. ❗ Challenges: Why do women experience longer waiting times and what has being done to address these system inefficiencies. 💡 Key Insights: What strategies can service providers use to keep women engaged and supported while waiting for housing. Join us to work, share and learn together with the most relevant stakeholders on Housing First. Let’s drive collaboration to ensure women have the housing support they need. 📄 Check out the full programme and register here 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ephdppfw #HousingFirst #HomelessnessSolutions #Dublin #Women

When we're not helping get heads into the beds of 5-star hotels, we're busy helping the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Habitat for Humanity International create opportunities for home ownership in Southern California. Currently the median Los Angeles home price is more than 22 times the average Generation Z (adults currently aged 18-27) yearly salary, and fewer than 17% of people in this age group are able to purchase their own home. During last month's SGV Habitat Women Build Event, which focuses on women and housing through volunteer building events, educational seminars and more, they were able to provide two young women with they keys to their new homes in Baldwin Park. Women, especially those who serve as head of their families and women of color, disproportionately face obstacles to accessing decent, affordable housing, which impacts far more than housing. Homeownership is associated with better health, fewer illnesses, and lower rates of depression and anxiety. Additionally, statistics show children with stable housing have higher success rates in school. So proud of our team for their hard work getting out the word about this important initiative! #HabitatForHumanity #SGVHabitat #Housing #AffordableHousing #CaliforniaRealEstate #Philanthropy #JimmyCarter #RosalynCarter #LosAngeles #Pasadena