We are ethical, self-help organisations run by our Members. We build communities in empty spaces, delivering cost effective solutions for landlords and homes for those in housing need.
What we do
Our Mission
Purpose
We aim to connect local co-ops of all tenures, and to promote the valuable contribution co-ops make in delivering affordable housing that meets the needs of local residents. The CLC is a platform to raise the awareness of short life co-ops as a tried-and-tested alternative to property guardianship. Short life co-ops have a rich history in London of creating housing with a social purpose. Born out of community activism, our co-ops have proved resilient throughout the cost of living crisis.
Our Mission
Vision
Our goal is to develop the CLC into a thriving network of co-ops and housing providers. Our hope is to build mutually beneficial relationships with housing associations, developers and local council that will enable our short life co-ops to flourish. With fruitful partnerships we can continue to create social impact, offering membership to those struggling to find affordable housing who want to be part of our community.
Our Mission
Values
Self-help
Self-responsibility
Democracy
Equality
Equity
Solidarity
Social responsibility
Together we are stronger
Why we are a trusted partner
We are established co-ops with a long track record working with social housing providers. Our objective is to turn vacant properties into homes without making a profit for ourselves. We also deliver social impact and value for the community. Our Members are active and engaged, participating in monthly meetings and performing roles. These means our co-ops are organised, productive, fair and connected as a community.
Our Partners
We are proud of our links with a wide range of stakeholders, as well as our relationships with:
Soho Housing Association
Notting Hill Genesis
Peabody Trust
Octavia Housing
Newlon Housing Trust
Network Homes
WECH (Walterton & Elgin Community Homes)
Curious how our co-ops could solve your empty homes problem? Email us now we will be happy to discuss your specific needs.
Our champion
Eve Wright
“Having worked in housing in West London for over 40 years, I have worked with a number of short life co-ops as part of a strategy for managing accommodation which is empty. Co-op members tend to be people who have social responsibility and look out for their neighbours. In the 10+ year regeneration scheme in North Kensington, co-op members have become a positive part of the community. It’s important to develop a good working relationship with a co-op who will fulfil a very useful role where a large number of flats need to be vacated. It may make sense to use a co-op that is established within the community to assist continuous social cohesion and maintain good relations.”
Eve Wright
Senior Re-housing Coordinator
Kensington Housing Trust
Catalyst Housing Group & Peabody Trust
Our champion
Eve Wright
“Having worked in housing in West London for over 40 years, I have worked with a number of short life co-ops as part of a strategy for managing accommodation which is empty. Co-op members tend to be people who have social responsibility and look out for their neighbours. In the 10+ year regeneration scheme in North Kensington, co-op members have become a positive part of the community. It’s important to develop a good working relationship with a co-op who will fulfil a very useful role where a large number of flats need to be vacated. It may make sense to use a co-op that is established within the community to assist continuous social cohesion and maintain good relations.”
Eve Wright
Senior Re-housing Coordinator
Kensington Housing Trust
Catalyst Housing Group & Peabody Trust
What our clients and stakeholders have to say
“The team at Backdoor Housing Cooperative are always friendly, dependable, organised, and proactive in responding and resolving any issues of concern working in partnership with the Housing Officer at NHG. Backdoor Housing Cooperative have ensured that NHG’s building/properties are protected from vandals whilst their members are given opportunities to create themselves an affordable home. Rent payments are on time, with all rent related matters resolved with speed when queries have arisen. We have regularly meetings, which is always beneficial to both parties.I would not hesitate to recommend Backdoor Housing Cooperative to any organisation or landlord thinking of working with them”
Housing Officer
“Having co-op neighbours during the stressful decant process has meant a lot to me. I moved into my flat soon after it was built, and it’s been my home for more than 30 years. As the people I knew have left one by one, it’s reassuring to know that if I need help, or simply someone to talk to, there’s a friendly person living next door ”
Peabody Tenant
“As a housing officer for NHG I have worked alongside the team at St Mark’s for the past three years. The members are always proactive when there are issues to address for example: St Mark’s contacted the local authority who agreed to fund a bike shed – this was an extremely positive outcome for the tenants.Friendly, dependable, and organised, they are always willing to engage and address all concerns as they arise. Rent payments are on time, when queries have arisen these have been dealt with swiftly. The flats given to members are made into homes and cared for.
St Mark’s are not for profit and their members offer the added benefit of community mindedness. They are sociable as well as respectful of their neighbours and contribute to the communities they move into.”
Housing Officer
What our clients and stakeholders have to say
“I would not hesitate to recommend Backdoor Housing Cooperative to any organisation or landlord thinking of working with them”
Housing Officer
“Having co-op neighbours during the stressful decant process has meant a lot to me. I moved into my flat soon after it was built, and it’s been my home for more than 30 years. ”
Peabody Tenant
“St Mark’s are not for profit and their members offer the added benefit of community mindedness. They are sociable as well as respectful of their neighbours and contribute to the communities they move into.”
Housing Officer
