Buttcon’s Post

I will be presenting the proposed tenancy engagement journey and strategy at the Birmingham Supported Exempt Accommodation meeting on 24th October 2024. I first developed this strategy when tasked with establishing an exempt accommodation project in 2021, focusing on reinforcing delivery targets for residents, given the financial gains often prioritised and promoted by providers in the sector. I believe supported housing providers must place more emphasis on promoting how they support vulnerable individuals and families affected by homelessness. While managing housing portfolios and financial sustainability is important, providers should also communicate the impact of their work, including services like mental health support, independent living skills, employment pathways, and stable housing solutions. Supported housing providers should also be able to identify the recovery achievements and progress of their residents via assessment tools and customer service questionnaires. By promoting these efforts, providers can show they not only provide housing but also help rebuild lives. Highlighting success stories can increase awareness, attract funding, and position them as key partners in addressing homelessness alongside local authorities’ housing plans. This is essential for aligning their mission with social outcomes and ensuring sustainable growth.

Cutting the Scottish home adaptation fund by 25% is beyond fathomable in an already overstretched, overlooked and under prioritised system for those most marginalised and vulnerable in our communities. I find myself left with endless questions about this sort of decision - how is this justified? Who decided? Where is that 25% going to now? Do the words ‘housing crisis’ mean anything? If we can’t suitably adapt our existing homes, they become useless, a waste. Surely an obsolete housing stock won’t help with the energy crisis either? Aren’t we at rock bottom already? In the words of #IsaacNewton: “to every action there is always opposed and equal reaction” So in the face of huge cuts, it’s great to see campaigns like ‘Fit for our Future’ sprouting up from Invisible Creations® and their partners. And to see #Housing providers like Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd and Angela Currie speaking up loudly about how these cuts affect the lives of real people, and those working ‘on the ground’. Disability rights are human rights. #Accessibility is not a bolt-on, or a luxury extra. It’s about valuing and implementing the #rights of those entitled to equal access and a safe, dignified, “life-proof”, life-long #home. THIIS Magazine Inclusive Design Magazine Beyond Access #InclusiveDesign #Accessibility #DisabilityRights #HumanRights #HomeAdaptations #AccessibleHousing

🎉 Today we celebrate 90 Years of Impactful Service! 🎉 CMHA was established on May 8 1934, and we are proud of what we have been able to accomplish in that time, and the people that have made it possible. As we mark the 90th anniversary of CMHA it's a momentous occasion to reflect on our journey of serving Franklin County, Columbus, Ohio, and beyond. For nearly a century, CMHA has been at the forefront of community development, resident empowerment, financial innovation, and moving our mission forward. Here are just a few highlights from 2024! 🏗️ Development: From revitalizing neighborhoods to creating affordable housing options for all, CMHA has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of our community. Residents have moved into Harriet’s Hope, a 52 apartment community for human trafficking survivors, and are making this structure a home. We held our grand opening for McKinley Manor, a community for seniors in the Franklinton neighborhood, who previously lived at the YMCA of Central Ohio downtown Columbus location. By the end of 2024, we will have invested nearly $300 Million for the development, acquisition, and renovation of mixed-income housing, this year alone! 👥 Resident Initiatives: At CMHA, residents are at the heart of everything we do. Through various initiatives and programs, we empower individuals and families to thrive, offering support, resources, and opportunities for growth. We will open The RISE Center in the Near East Side, and offer a wide variety of services in one of Columbus’s most storied neighborhoods. We continue adding supportive service agencies to our already robust service provider network. 💰Financial Innovation: Innovation is key to our success, and CMHA continues to explore new financial models and strategies to ensure long-term sustainability. From leveraging public-private partnerships to implementing cost-saving measures, we are committed to maximizing resources for the benefit of our community. By the end of 2024, we will have issued over $200 Million in bonds for the development, acquisition, and renovation of mixed-income housing using our A+ Rating through the S&P Global. Financed the construction of the 2nd phase of River & Rich leveraging our bonds. 🌟As we look to the future, CMHA remains dedicated to our mission of providing quality, affordable housing and fostering inclusive communities for all. We will continue to collaborate, innovate, and advocate for those we serve, making a lasting impact for generations to come. Thank you to our partners, stakeholders, and, most importantly, our residents for your unwavering support over the past 90 years. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for all. Here's to the next chapter of our journey! #CMHA90 #CommunityImpact #90YearsofCMHA #AffordableHousingforAll #Innovation #ColumbusOhio #FranklinCounty #BuildingBrighterFutures

Myself and Mick Hales were pleased to join the Habitat for Humanity Australia Chairman's Lunch 2024 alongside other supporters. Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’ truly resonates. It was inspiring to hear a mother of four share how their recent hand up helped them into homeownership, and created a positive change for her family.   Philip Curtis, Executive Director for Habitat Victoria, highlighted their remarkable achievement of providing housing for 73 local families. Their model makes Habitat for Humanity one of the world’s largest housing providers.   The challenges facing housing provision were a key focus, particularly on rental impacts caused by the tax regime – unfortunately, it seems that the housing problem will get worse as rental increases are impacting most renters Melbourne-wide. Speakers also noted the ambitious target of the state government to deliver 80,000 dwellings. Considering that the biggest builder in Australia, Metricon, builds around 5,000 dwellings nationwide annually, it’s evident that this delivery of housing cannot come from volume builders alone.   The pilot project in Bayswater, in collaboration with Stable One, Servants Community Housing Limited, and Emmaus Christian Community, offers a promising solution. It will provide much-needed housing for families and potentially provide a replicable model for the future, and we are so proud to be working on such a rewarding project.   One recurring theme across these events has struck me – the recipients of hand ups are often mothers escaping abusive relationships. Sadly, this is a prominent issue.   The need for housing is pressing, and I look forward to continue supporting Habitat for Humanity in their inspiring work.  

Yesterday, I had a very productive meeting with Sean Gilligan from Yenaa Housing, who explained to me their proactive 'moving-on' assessment and awareness educational activities with their residents, (linked to evidence clientele recordings), so they are ready and prepared once they are able to transit from supported exempt accommodation to long-term accommodation. Below is part of the supported housing's excellent residents 'moving-on' policy:- Identifying the resident’s long-term aspirations in respect of housing and living arrangements at the earliest opportunity. This should be documented at the assessment stage and should be reflected in the individual’s support plan. • Providing each resident’s with a realistic move on plan which, takes account of their starting point and where they would like to end up. • Provide an understanding of Birmingham City Councils Homeless strategy so they understand their individual rights. • Beginning the move on process at the start of the placement so there is a constant focus on the need to move on. • To ensure move on becomes a constant theme of support plans and support sessions. Looking at partnership with the resident’s and other agencies involved in the individual’s support. . Information gathered at assessment stage about a resident’s housing history will be used to identify any possible barriers to gaining access to move on accommodation, and to plan support to remove these barriers. • Support will focus on equipping residents with the skills to move on to independent or less supported accommodation from the outset, and on supporting each client to maintain their tenancy until such a time until they are ready to move on in a planned way. ============================================== It is great to see that Yenaa Housing and their housing support workers are truly committed, and being very effective, in helping their residents to eventually move from supported exempt accommodation, which reflects the true nature and delivery of Supported Exempt Accommodation provision in my professional opinion. Well done to Sean Gilligan and his housing support colleagues. Your supported housing 'Move-On and Residents' transition activities need more recognition and acknowledgements, especially from the relevant Birmingham City Council's department.

As we age, how we live is just as important as where we live. Having access to thoughtfully designed and welcoming community spaces can help older adults feel more connected to those around them — fostering an environment where they can thrive. Despite the range of benefits shared spaces offer, traditional funding programs for affordable housing rarely consider the need for socialization when developing senior housing. https://lnkd.in/eMeskxiG

Addressing the Housing Crisis: The Critical Role of ADUs Are you concerned about the housing crisis and seeking innovative solutions? Discover how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming communities by offering flexible, affordable housing options. Learn from the latest insights shared at the MACP – Bequall event, where experts highlighted the benefits of ADUs for property value, intergenerational living, and community resilience. See successful case studies and understand why state-level regulation is essential for scaling these solutions. Join the conversation and explore how ADUs can be a game-changer in your community. https://lnkd.in/eDqP3p4a

Senior housing discounts and affordable options are available through various programs and organizations: Low-income senior apartments and condos offer reduced rent, typically no more than 30% of adjusted gross income. These are provided by nonprofits like Volunteers of America, Good Samaritan Society, HumanGood, and Mercy Housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers two key programs: Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers help low-income seniors afford rent in private housing. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly provides very low-income seniors with affordable housing options, where rent is subsidized to 30% of adjusted income. Some apartment and condo complexes cater exclusively to low-income seniors aged 55+ or 62+, offering private living spaces at affordable rates. The New York Foundation for Senior Citizens provides subsidized buildings with specialized services for seniors to age in place. These include affordable housing options in various locations across New York City. Independent living communities and assisted living facilities often offer housing designed for adults 55 and older, with some providing minimal daily care assistance. When seeking affordable senior housing, it's advisable to research local options, contact housing agencies, and inquire about eligibility for various programs and discounts.

📢 Bookings for the TIS National Housing Conference 2024 are now live! 💡 How will we deliver the Scottish Government’s ambitious social housing plans amidst the current financial and housing emergency? The TIS National Housing Conference and Exhibition is back in 2024! The two-day event invites housing professionals and tenants to share innovation and good practice, and explore, discuss, and challenge how will we deliver the Scottish Government’s ambitious social housing plans amidst the current financial and housing crisis, and consider other socio-economic inequalities that shadow the sector. From Thursday 7th November – Friday 8th November, at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the event will showcase an unrivalled line up of expert speakers, engaging debates and discussions, workshops, study tours, and supports peer-to-peer learning to bring the sector together, to drive forward as a collective to change housing in Scotland for the better. The event will explore creative approaches to ensure we build a housing system that is resilient enough to respond to current and future changes, and tackle some of the most pertinent challenges. Key themes include: ❤️Tenants at the heart Providing meaningful opportunities and harnessing tenant feedback and consultation. 🚨Housing emergency Exploring how we will deliver social housing amidst one of the most challenging times. 🌡️ Safe and warm homes Highlighting the vital role of housing organisations in providing safe, secure, and well-maintained homes. 💪Health and wellbeing Raising awareness of mental health, trauma, and domestic violence. 📈Cost of living and affordability Addressing poverty, exclusion, and tenant hardship. Bookings are now live! Visit: https://lnkd.in/eUjqdcB7 or alternatively email info@tis.org.uk or call 0141 248 1242. Day-delegate rates start at £265 per person, per day. 📩 info@tis.org.uk |  📞 0141 248 1242

What is affordable housing? Regulated housing + a mishmash of housing created with affordability in mind, to meet the needs of that particular community. Amazing to read about the 30,000 (!) units of affordable housing that Kaiser Permanente has planned. To solve the housing crisis, we need regulated housing, workforce housing, supportive housing and everything in between. #affordablehousing #workforcehousing