United in fair & affordable housing for Frome

Frome Community Land Trust (FCLT) and FAIR Housing for Frome (FhfF) have officially united so that everything related to fair and affordable housing in Frome is managed by one organisation. 

The two boards found that increasingly they shared very similar aims and objectives, were working together on similar issues and several directors were on both boards.

The united organisation will retain the organisational structure of a Community Land Trust (CLT) and will still be called Frome Area CLT but with a new strap line: Creating fair housing for Frome.

Communications officer, Caroline Wajsblum said, “FACLT exists to create fair housing for Frome. We want a town in which all sections of our community, in all housing tenures, have access to decent homes that meet their needs.

“We recognise however, that there is currently a housing crisis in our town. Our vision is that FACLT and Fair Housing for Frome will lead the way, in partnership with others, in tackling this crisis over the coming years. We aim to make a real contribution to the provision of genuinely affordable homes for local people in housing need.

“We will continually draw attention to the need for fairer housing in Frome and work with our community to realise all possibilities for creating it, ensuring that those at the sharp end of the housing crisis have their voices heard and opportunities to engage.”

FACLT will continue to identify opportunities and support the creation of community led housing in Frome and will oversee the Frome Renting Alliance, making a difference for renters, landlords and lettings agents; the Frome Housing Noticeboard, an online forum to make it easier for anyone who is searching for, or advertising a place to rent, lodge or house-sit in Frome; and the developing Legacy Scheme, a legal structure by which residents may bequeath properties to be used for local people in housing need.

Caroline added, “As a community, we must have a wider conversation about social and genuinely affordable housing in Frome. There are many voices not being heard. It’s time to address this crisis and find solutions. That’s why FACLT is encouraging those who are experiencing housing difficulties or on the Homefinder register, to share their stories with us.

“Please share your stories with us by filling out the form here: bit.ly/fromehousing or you can email info@fromeareaclt.org (we won’t give your name if you’d prefer not).

“Or boxes have been distributed around town giving you the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

“Housing Crisis boxes can be found at: Bridge Café; Frome Library; The Good Heart; Fair Frome Bank Building & Pantry (behind the Town Hall). Your voice matters, and your story can help us advocate for change. Together, we can work towards a better future for all in our community.”

The new rules of the united organisation which is a Community Benefit Society are available to view on the www.fromeareaclt.org website.