Leeds Action to Create Homes (LATCH) (funding complete)

Funding from the Nationwide Foundation went towards purchasing and refurbishing 11 properties in the Chapeltown area of Leeds, which were completed in March 2015. The properties became homes for 30 people, all of whom had housing needs or had previously experienced homelessness. LATCH provides ongoing support to tenants with complex needs. Many have experienced abuse, mental health problems or addiction and have a history of being unable to sustain a tenancy.

A key part of LATCH’s housing assessment process is to identify people who want to progress to training or employment, and Latch supports its tenants to make this happen.

Case studies of a volunteer supported through the Nationwide Foundation’s funding

When Steve split up with his partner, he went off the rails and began offending and taking drugs. Desperately seeking a fresh start, he walked from Blackpool to Leeds and started selling the Big Issue. His support worker introduced him to Latch, where he attended a joinery course in Latch’s training workshop. Steve then wanted to gain practical experience and so began volunteering on the empty home refurbishment projects. Steve is now self-employed and he is acquiring further skills at the local building college. Most importantly for him, now that he is settled and has turned his life around, he has been able to see his son for the first time in five years.

www.latch.org.uk

More about Canopy, Latch and Gipsil’s combined success bringing empty homes back into use in Leeds can be viewed here.