Future Homes
Modular housing built to provide affordable supported living for those experiencing homelessness
How we can help
Modular homes are custom-built units specifically designed to be used on temporary sites that are loaned at low or no cost. They are designed to be relocatable, so that they can be installed at different sites, to ensure running costs are kept affordable. They provide low-cost, high-quality homes as move-on housing for those experiencing homelessness.
After leading two successful modular homes projects, our specialist team has hands-on experience to provide expert advice and resources – so that you can help vulnerably housed people in your area.
“The evidence suggests that providing modular homes in tandem with robust support services has the potential to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness”
The Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research, University of Cambridge
Our experience
Back in 2020, Allia led the first Cambridge modular housing community working with Jimmy’s, a local homelessness charity, together with ethical building organisation New Meaning Foundation. Six homes formed a successful, supported living community for previously homeless Cambridge residents, on land loaned by Christ the Redeemer church.
Five more similar communities are now operating in and near Cambridge, led by Jimmy’s, the Ferry Project and Emmaus – and more are planned.
Proven to have positive benefits
Research into these communities by the University of Cambridge has shown that they can make a positive difference.
“The evidence suggests that providing modular homes in tandem with robust support services has the potential to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness”
“Modular homes are a cost-effective and flexible stepping stone that help rough sleepers in desperate situations transition into permanent homes and settled lives”
Cambridge Centre for Housing and Planning Research, University of Cambridge.
We can help you every step of the way
We can help you create a modular home community and tackle homelessness in your area. Our comprehensive support package can help you – whatever your needs – outlining the six main steps that are required to create a community.
- Develop your partnership & project plan
- Secure a site and assess/prepare it
- Steer the scheme through planning
- Plan the finances and fundraising
- Procure/ install modular homes
- Manage the scheme through an experienced housing charity
More information
Please contact Lewis Herbert, Allia Future Homes Manager on 07748 536 153 or email lewis.herbert@allia.org.uk for more information. We are also hosting monthly Zoom briefings, on the last Wednesday of every month – ask Lewis for login details.
Donors and supporters
Like the original Cambridge project, you can secure major funding for your modular homes community, as well as support from donors, pro bono help and legal advice – building new partnerships and collaboration. We thank all of those who kindly supported our project:
Barr Ellison – legal
Carter Jonas – planning
Corporate Architecture – construction drawings
Mick George – groundworks
Robert Myers Associates – landscape design
WSP – engineering
Aidan Charitable Trust
Brookgate
Greater Cambridge Partnership
Hill
Howard Group
Marshall Group Properties
Anglian Water – sewerage connection
A&K air conditioning – ventilation fitting
Cambridge Ahead – housing group support
Cambridge City Council – site search
Cambridge Water – water connection
It Takes a City – inspiration
Joseph Evans – Wren Kitchen designer
New Meaning Foundation – financial contribution to construction
Nuaire – ventilation units
Saunders Boston Architects – interior features
Sector Three Property – discounted rates
Urban & Civic – fabrication warehouse at Waterbeach
The Diocese of Ely and the church council of Christ the Redeemer
Cambridge Building Society, Hewitsons, The Sam Family, TTP
Cambridge Innovation Parks, Costello Medical, The Sam Family
FAQs
According to Government assessments 3,069 people were sleeping rough per night in 2022, up 26% from the previous year.
Centrepoint estimated that across the United Kingdom 129,000 young people aged 16-24 presented to their local authority as homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2021/2022, which represents a six per cent increase compared to the previous financial year.
Homelessness charity Crisis has estimated that as many as 62% of single homeless people do not show up on official figures and run the risk of slipping through the cracks.
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Research from the University of Cambridge shows that modular homes are a cost-effective and flexible stepping stone that help rough sleepers in desperate situations transition into permanent homes and settled lives. The evidence of the in-depth research into four supported modular home communities in Cambridge concluded that that providing modular homes in tandem with robust support services has the potential to improve outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Read more on The role of modular homes in addressing homelessness: Cambridge’s modular homes
Through modular offsite construction, these much-needed homes are provided in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional construction, without compromising the quality of the homes. Highly energy efficient and comfy compact homes, making a sustainable contribution to the planet. In addition, the modular homes make great use of unused small brownfield land. They are also potentially relocatable and thus sites can be also used for sites only available initially for 3 to 10 years.
Learning from two successful delivered and innovative supported living community schemes Allia Future Homes led for previously homeless Cambridge residents.
Sharing our in-depth Six Steps Guide and checklist with all the information needed to complete a modular home community project yourself.
Excellent team with comprehensive knowledge of all aspects you need to gain expertise on, who will help you at any step along the way if you wish.
Strong support system with dedicated and highly experienced construction, project management and planning pro bono partners.
We ensure you have the choice and price of the best modular home builder for your particular needs. We know the market and assist in highly competitive shortlisting of the best producer able to deliver quality homes for your area, assisted by creating an open competitive tender.
Excluding land, rule of thumb about £75,000 to £100,000 fully fitted out per completed and installed home (2023/24). Cheaper per home than traditional build.
Homes are built to high standards, plus certification to say they will last a minimum of 60 years.
The Allia fee for a full scheme is £20,000 to £30,000 on modular build completion. We do not charge a fee for initial stages on securing sites and preparation work, or if the scheme does not proceed.
In 2023, the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) has been offering 60% of the cost of £95,000 modular homes, inclusive of site works. A similar scheme is expected in future years.
Local homelessness organisation or other local funder willing to put up the ‘equity’ component – 30-50% of the funding needed.
Rest from a social lender – we can recommend people.
Allia has developed a scheme from start to finish including planning in 9 months, but 12 months to 18 months for total scheme time is reasonable if you already have a good site, a clear decision to go for a scheme, and an outline site drawing for the expected homes. If you don’t have a site, but still want us to help, we will help you find a solution.
If you are interested and/or have more questions, please don’t hesitate and contact our:
Project Manager Lewis Herbert: 07748 536 153 | lewis.herbert@allia.org.uk
or Housing Development Lead Daniel Renn: 07862 719513 | daniel.renn@allia.org.uk
We are also hosting monthly Zoom briefings, on the last Thursday of every month – email Lewis for login details. We are also very happy to organise initial 1-1 online meetings and will also help you add potential partners and support organisations in subsequent calls. The power of partnerships and the right expertise is essential from the start of projects through to their completion.
We look forward to hearing from you, at whatever stage your plans and project are.
