#24 – Q:Witness – Housing

The housing crisis in Britain has reached new lows in 2017, with 1 in every 200 people in the UK being homeless, house prices soaring far beyond the range of ordinary people, and social housing stock being decommissioned and not replaced. Quakers are stepping into the breach wherever they can – setting up YMCAs in meeting houses, running housing initiatives for young carers, and submitting amendments to housing bills as they go through parliament. In this episode of Q:Witness, Parliamentary Engagement Officer Jessica Metheringham speaks about living in true community, the Quaker roots of the Ethical Landlords Association, and upcoming work around demanding big-scale policy changes. We also speak with Jon Scarth of the anti-poverty campaigning organisation Quaker Social Action, which is 150 this year. Jon is piloting a housing scheme for young adults with caring responsibilities in East London, ensuring that they have an opportunity to live independently for the first time, and form their own connections to the wider world. Learn more about the projects mentioned in this podcast: • Ethical Landlords Association | www.ethicallandlords.org.uk • Quaker Housing Trust | www.qht.org.uk • Quaker Social Action, Move On Up | www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/your-house-and-home/move | • Further information around Quakers in Britain and housing | www.quaker.org.uk/housing #qwitness