History
1989
LATCH was originally set up in 1987 by Bryn Higgs and Tom Ruxton. Tom and Brynn's idea was to bring derelict properties back into use providing self-build opportunities for homeless volunteers.
1990
Leeds City Council leased LATCH 2 rundown properties for its Pilot Scheme. One was a shortlife project. The other was LATCH's first self-build Project.
1992
In 1992 LATCH became registered as an Industrial and Provident Society, i.e. LATCH Ltd.
1994
Winner of the Community Enterprise Award for Housing and Homelessness. Presented by Prince Charles.
1995
LATCH was allocated a further 8 houses (a total of 28 bed spaces) referred to as the Accelerated Housing Project (AHP). Support for the project was provided by Leeds City Council, Leeds Federated and Ridings Housing Associations.
1997
The National Lottery Charities Board and Leeds City Council's Single Regeneration Budget provided funding for the Number One Project: the complete refurbishment of a Victorian building into 6 flats at 1 Leopold Street.
1998
The AHP was completed providing LATCH with 50 bed spaces.
1999
Awarded National Lottery funding for 3 years for the SOLO project. The funding enabled us to purchase and refurbish 176 Chapeltown Road as offices and employ a new worker to improve support services for tenants.
The AHP was renamed to it's current status as the Supported Housing Project (SHP).
2001
No. 1 Project completed after 3 years, creating 6 designer flats for 6 self-builders and their families. LATCH was awarded the 2001 Big Difference Award by the Big Issue in the North.
2002
The SHIFFT project was a 3 year programme set up to involve tenants working on their own home improvements. This project was funded by LATCH and various trusts and charities.
2004
Four additional units of accommodation were allocated to us by Ridings Housing Association for supported housing bringing the number of flats and houses to 35.
2005
The SHIFFT project was completed. 18 flats and houses were improved including installation of new bathrooms, kitchens. This lead to another more extensive proramme called the the Decent Homes Programme.
2006
The Decent Homes Programme is a planned programme of works bringing our properties up to 'decency' level as specified by the government, for example installing central heating and double glazing in all properties before 2010. This work is still in progress.
2008
LATCH was awarded funding by the BIG Lottery and the Tudor Trust for our Hands On project to renovate a grade 2 listed derelict coachhouse and employ 2 new workers for 5 years. We aim to have the building completed and ready for use as a community workshop by August 2009.