Cornwall Community Foundation launches Cornwall’s Housing Crisis Fund to help Cornish groups combat the housing crisis

In 2022, Cornwall Council declared a county-wide housing crisis.

Now, 22,000 people are on the Cornwall Council housing register and 955 Cornish households are in temporary accommodation. Our communities are burnt out from trying to lift up and support those suffering in this crisis.

In 2022 Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) published their ‘Vital Signs’ report. Gathering data and feedback from residents across the county, the severity of the crisis was apparent. The report concluded that an unacceptable numbers of Cornish people are on social housing lists, in temporary accommodation, living in vans and cars, having to move out of the area, or finding themselves homeless.

CCF have been a key source of funding for community groups and charities across Cornwall for over 20 years. They give support based on local need, and have funded projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. focusing on mental health, social isolationLoneliness, lack of access to human interactions. and, among other things, housing.

But, while their grants have allowed groups like St Petrocs and Harbour Housing to embark on specific projects, CCF recognises the need for financial support dedicated to this specific issue. Not just more funding, but unrestricted fundingMoney that can be spent however an organisation wishes.
that will allow groups making a positive change to spend grant money where it’s needed, when it’s needed.

And this support isn’t just for the groups on the frontline, a strand of funding will also go to community-owned housing projects. Projects creating affordable homes, built by locals and for locals.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation, said,

“Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are facing a housing crisis, and it affects our communities on so many levels. From physical and mental wellbeing, to isolation, food poverty, and community resilience. However, we believe that together, the people and groups in Cornwall working for our communities can provide more homes for local people. That’s why we’ve launched Cornwall’s Housing Crisis FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions.. We aim to support the people already making a difference across the county. We really want to get the word out about this amazing fund, so to anyone who can, please do share or donate.”

CCF aim to raise money that will fund vital initiatives and provide long-term solutions to Cornwall’s housing crisis over three years. To donate, head to Cornwall’s Housing Crisis Appeal today.