Housing Justice Cymru to be ​​launched

At its Board of Directors meeting this morning, it was agreed that Housing Justice would expand its work to create a separate organisation for Wales, named Housing Justice Cymru under the leadership of its first Director, Sharon Lee.

The decision by the Board of Directors continues to strengthen the work that Housing Justice is doing across the whole of England and Wales.

It is significant that such a decision has been made in its Diamond Jubilee year, as Housing Justice has sought over the last 60 years to be a 'rallying point' for the church as it responds to the growing need of housing and homelessness.

Looking at developing links across Wales, Mrs Lee will be responsible for supporting churches in a number of different ways, including through practical and joined up responses to homelessness and housing need. Housing Justice will continue to be an independent voice, seeking positive dialogue and relationship with national and local Government in Wales and England in addressing these issues

Mrs Lee, who will take over as the first Director of Housing Justice Cymru, is currently the organisation's Faith in Affordable Housing Project Co-ordinator with specific responsibility for Wales. Mrs Lee is currently the Vice- Chair of a large Housing Association in Wales and has worked in a senior strategic role in housing for a number of years. She has worked for Housing Justice for the last three years.

A formal launch event in Wales later in the year is being planned, which it is hoped will be attended by leading Government Ministers, Church Leaders and stakeholders.

Welcoming her appointment as Director of Housing Justice Cymru, Sharon Lee said: "It is a privilege to be formally appointed as the first Director of Housing Justice Cymru. Churches and Christian organisations are a key part of the solution to housing need in Wales. I'm looking forward to supporting this work and helping the church forge closer links with the housing sector. Housing Justice Cymru will be a strong Christian voice in campaigning for an end to homelessness and a lack of decent affordable housing."

The Chief Executive of Housing Justice, Alison Gelder added: "Sixty years ago, the Catholic Housing Aid Society was launched by two Christian​ women to respond to the needs of housing and homelessness. The approval by the Board this morning enables the vision of Molly and Maisie to continue as Housing Justice continues to be a prophetic voice, not just in England but across Wales​ too.

I am confident that​ Sharon Lee will do a sterling job as an advocate of Housing Justice, ambassador of the church and critical friend to the Welsh Government."

The Chair of the Board and Bishop of Rochester, The Rt Revd James Langstaff also added: "These are exciting times for Housing Justice as an organisation which continues to grow and develop in its work. The Welsh Assembly and Government have significant autonomy on housing matters, and it is important that Housing Justice now has its own organisation to engage with this in Wales.

Sharon Lee has already made a significant contribution to the work of Housing Justice and I look forward to seeing that continue in her new role. I will be writing to the Archbishop of Wales and other Welsh church leaders to commend this development, asking them to support the work of Housing Justice Cymru."

Last night a special Mass and reception took place in Southwark to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of CHAS - report coming on ICN soon.