mojatu .com
18 Community
PATHWAY HOUSING SOLUTIONS
ΈW,^Ή/EWZdE Z^,/W
WITH MOJATU FOUNDATION
ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚŝŶƚŽ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐΘ,ŽŵĞůĞƐƐŶĞƐƐ
ǀŝĚĞŽƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚƉƌŽũĞĐƚ
Pathway Solutions in conjunction with Mojatu Foundation
are researching how homelessness has affected the lives
of minority ethnic, migrant and marginalised people,
and how these experiences impact on existing homeless
and housing services and strategies. The research will
also explore the role of Community Led Housing in
tackling these issues, and in providing participants with
a pathway to a better quality of life.
At a time where issues regarding the lack of affordable
housing, housing shortages, and landlord exploitation
gain political attention, and policy makers focus their
attentions on those more able to afford their own
home, this important issue has received little attention
in the media and academia. Moreover, research reports
have highlighted that people from ethnic minorities are
more likely to become homeless than other groups, yet
at the same time many people who are sofa surfing, or
sharing bed-space do not view themselves as homeless.
This project aims to find a way to tackle this issue, to
communicate with homeless people in a way that is
meaningful to them, and to explore the reasons why they
become homeless. We are looking for partners, funding,
resources, equipment, data and research material, as
well as participants willing to take part in the research
and training, we have different approaches to how we
will get the ball rolling and get data on this research;
x ‘Participatory’ Video and Peer Research –This is
by ‘homeless people’ interviewing other ‘homeless
people’, and making their own films on this subject.
x ‘Skills, Training and Confidence Building’ - This
innovative project provides the means to involve
‘homeless people’ through activities that appeal to
them.
x ‘Community Led’ - Many people lack the confidence
to take part in projects organised by statutory
agencies. The project is led by local community
organisations such as Mojatu Foundation and
Pathway Housing.
x ‘Multi-agency partnership’ - For the project to be
a success, we are working with Mojatu Foundation
and Fearless Youth Association (FYA) in digital media
as well as digital storytelling to help in disseminating
information about the research. We have also formed
sub groups involving other local organisations that
work with our group of people who are playing a key
role in encouraging people to take part in the project
and in providing them with support.
The main aims of the project are:
ϭ͘Reduce and prevent homelessness, particularly
amongst
o those who are hidden homeless,
o those who are over-represented, and
o those homeless people who approach the Council
for assistance, by identifying the reasons and risk
factors of homelessness through research.
Ϯ͘Raise awareness of the reality of homelessness
through a ‘participatory’ video project, targeting
those who are at risk of homelessness, and in those
in housing need.
ϯ͘Raise the skills level of people at risk of homelessness,
which will help improve their life chances and will
help them gain employment and find their own
housing solutions.
The project is targeting people (individuals and families)
aged 19+, who are facing housing problems, homeless
or are at risk of homelessness. It is fair to say that it is also
considering gender issues, and social issues.
The Key elements of the project include the following:
ϭ͘Providing multi-media (video, music etc.) training, as
well as training of other key skills such as research,
communications, and web development.
Ϯ͘Run a ‘participatory’ video project to engage people
in the making of films that focus on homelessness.
ϯ͘Enable participants to undertake a research project
on housing issues faced by their peers.
ϰ͘ Enable participants to gain key skills in video
production
ϱ͘Assist participants to set up a Housing Forum. This
will ensure that they will continue to have a ‘voice’
on housing issues, and to provide an opportunity for
Forum members to develop leadership skills.
ϲ͘Run a Peer Education programme to raise awareness
of housing and homeless issues amongst a wider
group of people.
ϳ͘Run an event for key stakeholders to disseminate the
research findings.
ϴ͘Run a celebration event for the participants on the
project.