Today, Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, visited the Birmingham diocese to meet with local councillors and members of the newly established Church Development Agency (CDA). The visit focused on discussing the implementation of the Coming Home report recommendations and addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the region.
Bishop Guli, who leads the Church of England's Housing, Church and Community Commission, emphasised the church's role in re-imagining housing to create sustainable communities. The Coming Home report, launched in April 2019, calls for a holistic approach to housing, urging the church to act decisively while inspiring others to contribute.
During the visit, members reflected on the need for collective action to tackle the local housing crisis. One participant commented, "We are not going to solve the crisis on our own, but we have the will to contribute to the solution within our own context and locality."
The Church of England Birmingham has responded by working closely within parishes where the report's findings are most relevant, engaging clergy and lay ministers to address the challenges together. This approach recognises the importance of addressing local social needs beyond simply providing housing.
The Church Development Agency's Mission
The CDA, launched under the leadership of Dan Mayes, MRICS, CofEB's Director of Property, is implementing projects to create affordable housing in areas of high need. The CDA's work includes:
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Developing affordable homes for rent in Birmingham and Gloucester.
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Collaborating with registered partners and local stakeholders.
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Prioritising long-term sustainability, ensuring homes are environmentally future-proof and meet the community's broader needs.
Bishop Guli's visit highlighted pilot projects like Bill House in Handsworth, a derelict site with potential for housing. This project aligns with Handsworth's industrial heritage and regeneration goals, envisioning a family-focused model with opportunities for community buildings.
The Nishkam Centre in Handsworth, a valued partner of CofEB, formally welcomed Bishop Guli during her visit. Together, the Nishkam Centre and CofEB are exploring opportunities to revitalise local areas, including investment in brownfield sites like Bill House. These efforts aim to provide "forever homes" that strengthen community ties and address the shortage of quality housing.
The Coming Home report challenges the church to see beyond the immediate need for affordable housing, advocating for infrastructure that allows communities to flourish. In Handsworth, the church's presence around the Newbiggin Community Centre is a testament to this vision. Surrounded by Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), the church offers wrap-around care for vulnerable residents, showcasing the impact of sustained local engagement.
As Bishop Guli remarked, success is the true measure of creating sustainable, long-term change for communities. By fostering partnerships and investing in housing that meets both social and environmental needs, the church and its collaborators are laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
For more on the Church of England's housing initiatives, read the latest updates in the Church Times.