From the Church in Wales

Churches and chapels will be focusing on how they can help solve the housing crisis in Wales at a roadshow next week.

From converting former buildings into affordable housing to running night shelters for homeless people – a range of ideas and projects will be shared at the event which aims to address the acute shortage of affordable homes.

The Roadshow is organized by the Christian charity, Housing Justice, and is the first they have held in Wales. It will bring together people from all denominations, housing associations and local authorities. Workshop sessions in the afternoon will focus on how to convert former churches into affordable houses, mentoring people in need to homes, running night shelters and setting up housing action groups.

The  Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, will be one of the speakers. He said, “For many people in Wales the notion that there is still poverty and homelessness in our country may be unbelievable. A roof over one’s head is not a privilege, but a basic human right. Yet the number of homeless and poorly housed people in Wales is rising fast and charities and churches are working hard to take action.  Night shelters, supported housing and affordable housing are some of the ways this crisis is being tackled and this Roadshow is a chance to highlight this work and develop closer cooperation across the sector.”

Alex Glanville, head of property services at the Church in Wales, who will also be speaking at the event, said, “This Housing Justice Roadshow is an important event for Wales.  It will focus on all the challenges facing Welsh people in housing need and explore how religious communities can respond to them.

“The Church in Wales is looking at whether any of its land and property can be used to provide affordable housing.  As a Church, we increasingly have more building space than we need across Wales and we are keen to see how some of it could be converted into affordable housing. We have been involved in projects in the past and this event will be an occasion to share experience to date to ensure all denominations can engage with this work.”

Alison Gelder, chief executive officer of Housing Justice, said, “Across the nation, homelessness and lack of decent housing have a devastating impact on lives. The introduction of welfare benefit reform has made the situation worse for many families and single people. We’re inviting people to come and hear about the great work that churches are already doing across Wales, and be inspired to make a difference.”

The Housing Justice Roadshow takes place on Thursday January 29 from 10.30-3pm, at the Vine Centre, Australian Terrace, Bridgend. Tickets cost £10 and can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/housing-justice-roadshow-bridgend-your-church-and-the-housing-crisis-registration-14906165743?aff=eorg