Leeds Action to Create Homes (LATCH)

Hands On is a project of Leeds Action to Create Homes (LATCH), a voluntary sector organisation providing housing and support to people at risk of homelessness or in housing need. We work with volunteers to bring derelict and disused properties back into use as social housing. Our support team works with individuals and families providing support on a wide range of tenancy related issues.

LATCH was formed in 1989 and since then the LATCH staff team has worked with volunteers and homeless people bringing 38 disused and derelict properties back into use in the Chapeltown and Burley areas of Leeds.

Vision and Mission Statement

LATCH’s vision is of a society where people who are homeless are provided with safe and secure housing and are helped to become confident and independent through skill development and self-help.

LATCH aims to:

• Acquire more properties so we can help people to create homes for themselves.
• Build confidence through the provision of work experience and skill development.
• Create positive change by providing support and opportunities for involvement in the organisation

Services

Floating Support Service

We provide support, advice, advocacy and information to single people and families who are having problems with tenancy issues. We also provide help with any other problems that may put people at risk of losing their homes, such as debt, benefit problems and rent arrears.

Housing Management Service 

We have a small number of flats and houses in Leeds 6, 7 and 8 which we let to people who are homeless or in serious housing need. Even if we cannot house someone we may be able to find a landlord or other housing organisation that can help.

Hands On

We have a training workshop providing learning and volunteering opportunities in practical skills such as basic home maintenance, joinery, plastering and plumbing. The workshop has a strong environmental focus and aims to increase awareness of ways we can reduce our environmental impact.