Latch

What We Do

LATCH is a self-help housing charity that runs projects working with homeless people and volunteers in Leeds. LATCH supports people to refurbish previously empty, derelict and run-down houses, which eventually become their homes.

How We Work

LATCH is a collective run by 5 full-time staff, 2 part-time staff and around 10 regular volunteers who are overseen by a voluntary committee. Working collectively means that volunteers and tenants can become involved at all levels of the organisation, anything from volunteering on a building site to attending management committee meetings. It also means people are able to constantly bring new skills and ideas to LATCH, helping the organisation to grow and develop, as well as making it a place where people can pick up valuable new skills and experience of team working.

Aims & Objectives

LATCH aims and objectives were set down in 1989 and have changed little since then. The process of delivery is however being constantly reviewed and modified to meet changing needs and circumstances.

1. To rehabilitate houses in Leeds, and thus provide homes for people aged 16 to 60 who are homeless, threatened with homelessness or in housing need.

2. For those whose future homes we are working on to be involved in the planning, rehabilitation work, decision making and all other aspects of Latch's work.

3.To provide people with the following:

• (a) Skills in building work through training and supervised work experience.
• b) Skills in decision making and working as part of a team through participating in the running of the organisation.
• (c) Decent affordable accommodation designed for their needs.
• (d) Confidence in their abilities, leading to greater employment opportunities. Central to our work is the belief that the issues of homelessness and disempowerment are closely linked. We believe that in enabling young people to overcome their housing difficulties themselves, they will benefit not only from the accommodation they have created, but as importantly, from the achievement of doing so.

Agency referral form: click here to download our agency referral form (word doc, 147KB).

How You Can Help

As a charity, Latch never has enough money to meet the demands on our services.If you wish to make a cash donation to LATCH's work, you can send us a cheque or postal order - (payable to LATCH Ltd), to: 176 Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 4HP. LATCH is always in need of donations of good quality furniture, furnishings, painting & decorating materials and tools. Please contact us if you think you can help us with any of these requirements or if you would like to try volunteering with LATCH.