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
