A community-supportive, sustainable, pioneering housing project recently gained momentum in west London. Building on a new women-only tower block has already started and it will welcome its first residents next summer. This project will provide 102 new “truly affordable” social rented homes exclusively for women. That’s an important milestone, pretty much creating a “UK first.”
The development will replace an old estate that once contained 39 homes. It provides safe, affordable homes for all their residents. Rental costs will be under a quarter of comparable private sector housing, presenting this as a very attractive option for a variety of renters.
The decision to open this women-only residence coincides with the recent increase in domestic abuse cases in Susan’s community. Last year alone, Ealing experienced a high of 3,496 reported cases of domestic abuse. Local leaders concede that women are frequently “disproportionately impacted by crisis,” pointing to the constant demand for safe, permanent supportive housing.
Philip James Lynch, in part of his work with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, recently reflected on the importance of this project to this neighborhood. He acknowledged that it is a big, bold and progressive move to face the housing crisis that women in the county have been experiencing for years.
“UK first” – Local Democracy Reporting Service
The new housing block is being developed by Women’s Pioneer Housing, an organization committed to ensuring that women have access to “safe, secure, and affordable homes and services.” Through their work to develop encouraging places to live, they hope to uplift women that find themselves at risk because of their situation.
As local council member Peter Mason stated, given all we’re facing with our society today, this is an especially critical development. He underscored that the initiative will deliver critical housing. Beyond improving health, the community will encourage an acute sense of place and belonging among residents.
“disproportionately affected by crisis” – Peter Mason
