Housing Justice is the national voice of Christian action to prevent homelessness and bad housing. We believe that human dignity is challenged by the lack of a decent home. Our vision is of a society where every person has access to a home that truly meets their needs. A tough call - but we’re convinced that it is possible.
Housing Justice was created in 2003 when CHAS (Catholic Housing Aid Society) and CNHC (Churches’ National Housing Coalition) merged. In January 2006 Housing Justice expanded further when it merged with UNLEASH (Church Action on Homelessness in London). Housing Justice combines over 60 years' experience with the energy of a new organisation.
Housing Justice unites Christians and churches of all denominations across the country to work for change. We enable local groups and churches to provide practical help to people in housing need. At the same time we work for change in housing policies at national and local level. And we do all this by embracing partnership with people of all faiths (and none) who share our values of social justice and compassion.
The launch of Housing Justice on 27 November 2003 was marked by a service of celebration at St Martin in the Fields church in central London, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor and other senior church figures.
Celebrating the launch, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of the shared commitment of all Christians to tackle homelessness and housing injustice. At the launch participants added their signatures to a banner outside the church demanding Decent Housing and calling for every person to have a home that truly meets their needs.
Legal information
The President of Housing Justice is Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster.
The Acting Chair of Housing Justice is Richard Capie
Housing Justice is currently advertising for a new Chair and Board members - see the advert>>
The Chief Executive of Housing Justice is Alison Gelder
Housing Justice employs 10 staff based in London.
Housing Justice is registered charity number 294666 and registered company number 2017207. The registered office of Housing Justice is 209 Old Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5QT.
"To have somewhere we call home is a fundamental part of our human dignity. Home is the place where we build our families and find the space to develop alongside friends and loved ones. To be deprived of such a basic necessity is to feel less than human."
" A just society must care for all its members, but especially those in most need. As Christians and Catholics we have a special responsibility to work on behalf of homeless people. We must be their advocates, and we must do everything we can to provide for their needs, both practical and spiritual."
"This is what Housing Justice is all about and why I warmly welcome its launch. By working together as Christians we will have greater impact. We want everyone who wants a home to have one.”
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor
President, Housing Justice, speaking at the launch of Housing Justice
External links
Archbishop of Canterbury - Sermon at the Launch of Housing Justice, St Martins-in-the-Fields, London
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor - Comments on the launch of Housing Justice