- What is a housing cooperative?
A housing cooperative is a group of people who come together to collectively control and manage their housing. Being governed by its members means each member effectively becomes their own landlord. Structurally, it runs like a not-for-profit organisation. Rent from tenants is used to pay off operational costs, such as building maintenance. The cooperative and any associated assets or property do not ‘belong’ to any single person—they belong to whoever the members are at the time. This enables the housing HfC provides to be more affordable. - Are there other housing cooperatives in Manchester?
Yes! There are a few different housing cooperatives in the Greater Manchester area. They are generally smaller than Homes for Change and tend to be communal houses rather than blocks of individual flats. - How long is the waiting list?
This is a tricky question to answer. Flats only become available when an existing resident moves out. Joining HfC is best viewed as part of a long-term plan rather than a quick or emergency solution. - How do I apply for housing?
Once you have been voted in as a member, you will be given a form to apply to be placed on the housing waiting list. After you return the completed form, Membership will contact you to arrange a home visit. During the visit, we will check the information you have provided and see if there is anything else you can add. Housing points will then be calculated at a Membership meeting. - How much is rent?
Rent is kept roughly in line with social housing and includes water and internet. - What is ‘Work for Change’?
Work for Change provides cooperatively managed workspace, including offices, artist studios, workshops, a café, and theatre space. The workspace is managed by the tenants, supported by two part-time staff members. Tenants control all aspects of management, including setting rents and budgets, planning maintenance, and letting spaces. - How is Homes for Change run?
Many housing-related tasks at HfC are carried out by volunteers through working groups. For example, maintenance issues are identified by the Maintenance Working Group, who then arrange for a provider to carry out repairs. Decisions are made by the Committee and then ratified (or not) at a General Meeting. Any contentious decisions are discussed before being voted on. - What is a working group?
Homes for Change is managed by volunteers who carry out the functions of a ‘landlord’ through working groups. Members are expected to volunteer a minimum of 2 hours per month to be considered ‘active’ on the waiting list for accommodation. Working groups cover a range of activities that maintain the building and manage the cooperative. They meet monthly, usually on a weekday evening. Prospective members are free to join the group of their choosing, and can join as many groups as they want. - How do I join a working group?
Contact the relevant Working Group Coordinator to find out when meetings take place, or check the calendar on the website: https://www.homesforchange.co.uk/calendar/
All working group email addresses are available on the website. - What is a General Meeting?
A General Meeting (GM) is held once a month, where members of Homes for Change meet to discuss, debate, and vote on issues affecting the cooperative. These can range from smaller matters, such as voting in new members, to larger issues like policy changes. - When are General Meetings?
General Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month. Please visit the calendar for more information: https://www.homesforchange.co.uk/calendar - Are there any criteria for becoming a member?
Yes. Firstly, you cannot own property — Homes for Change is social housing, and property owners are not eligible to join. Secondly, applicants must not have a history of anti-social behaviour. Thirdly, you should be willing to be part of a community and contribute accordingly. Without volunteering, Homes for Change cannot function, and active participation is a key part of its ethos
Homes for Change is a fully mutual housing Co-op