Phoenix Community Housing is a housing association that owns 5,500 tenancies and 850 leaseholds in London. It was set up in 2007 when residents voted to transfer housing stock from Lewisham Council due to a lack of investment. Phoenix promises to improve all homes to a high standard within 5 years using gap funding, loans, and rental income. In addition to providing housing, Phoenix aims to be more than just a landlord through community programs. Its new headquarters includes facilities like a training kitchen, credit union, cafe, and event space to serve local residents.
2. Who We Are
5,500 tenancies and 850 leaseholders
55% houses 45% flats
77% built before 1940
Why Phoenix
Historic lack of investment and £100m gap
Lewisham couldn't afford to achieve Decent Homes standard
Residents didn't want ALMO or transfer to RSL
Residents inspired by Preston Gateway
Set up shadow Board
Ballot 2006 Yes 2023 (67.9%)
No 920 (30.9%)
Spoilt 33 (1.1%)
Transfer 3 December 2007
3. Where We Are
100 different languages spoken in our areas
45% of our residents have a family member with a disability
Phoenix have six LSOA’s with incomes in the lowest 10% across
England
Over 80% of homes are in receipt of benefits
High percentage of vulnerable residents
4. Promises
The Phoenix standard in 5 years paid for by
£42m gap funding
£70m loan from Barclays
£25m rent & service charge income a year
More than just a landlord
5. Governance
Owned by our members –2100 shareholders, 700 Gold
members, 100 staff associate members.
Phoenix are the only Housing Association in London to use
the Community Gateway approach
The Gateway approach empowers tenants and leaseholders
to take a central part in decision-making and become
shareholding members
Tenants and leaseholders are elected by residents and form
the largest group on the board; 6 tenants, 1 leaseholder, 5
independents, 3 councillors
The Chair and Vice Chair of the Phoenix Board are tenants
Phoenix Residents Group and 12 Area Panels – each with
own budget of £5k a year
8. Some highlights
Will have spent £120m improving our homes by
April 2013
Recently celebrated our 4,000th internal
improvement
18 months 100% gas servicing
SAP rating improved from 60 to 70
Will complete the promises on target
AGM, over 250 attended Broadway theatre
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17. Our new HQ and the community
At the time of transfer 150 Phoenix staff and contractors worked
from five small offices
We promised our residents that we would construct our own HQ:
In the heart of our area
Provided a wide range of services to the community
Land swop with L&Q
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20. Training Kitchen
A partnership with Lewisham
Council’s Children & Young
Peoples Directorate Training Kitchen
Catering staff will be trained
and go on to work in
Lewisham’s schools and
further education facilities
Provide vocational training
for secondary school children
and adults
Offer the community
focussed courses
21. The Lewisham
Plus Credit Union
The Lewisham Plus Credit are
also a membership organisation
The Credit Union provide ethical
and affordable finance
Have over 8,000 members in the
Boroughs of Lewisham and
Bromley
Credit Union
Their relocation will also place
them in the heart of the
community they serve
22. Community Café &
Pop up Restaurant
There is no local café
Our café & restaurant will be
used by Phoenix staff and
visitors to the building
Partnership with Training For
Life, Phoenix & Lewisham
Cafe
Provide affordable food and
drink
10 apprentices a year
Healthy & affordable
23. Community Hub
A busy market place
Enterprise units and info
points for:
Established local small
businesses
College leavers
CAB, Job Centre Plus Community Hub
Low cost services for the
local community in return for
low or no annual rent
Hub also used for large
gatherings or training
sessions
24. Our Barn and Market Square
A hive of activity
A partnership with Lewisham College to offer a local base for
learning
Socially gatherings
Weddings
Family Celebrations
Conferences
Concerts
Arts and Crafts
Theatre and Cinema and Comedy
Clubs – Chess, Bridge etc
Farmers market
25. The Phoenix Festival
Our annual May day festival.
Celebration of local culture
Focus on taking part and having fun
Attracted over 6,500 people
Opportunity for community groups to come together
We hope to capture this spirit in our new place!
And there is more...........
The Diversity Day in October over 250 people attended this event
Tenant Gathering in December – over 70 residents attended
workshops, spoke to our partners, met staff and had a good time.
Summer activities for young people
Winter University for 35 young local people
Marton Close and Grovehill court computer training open to all
residents
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29. Further Info & Contacts
Jim Ripley – Chief Executive, Phoenix
jim.ripley@phoenixch.org.uk
Website: www.phoenixcommunityhousing.org
Notas del editor
Pat Welcome Shadow Board/Exec Team Good News Dec 3, 2007