770.333.6343 kate@katemcenroe.com
One of the most recent entries into the Workforce Participation Resource Catalogue at Kate McEnroe On Demand is in the Housing Section.  I’ve been reading recently about Property Guardianship programs in the UK.  These programs, often administered by third party property managers, pair individuals needing below market housing with property owners who want occupancy in vacant properties.  Sounds strange, right?  Stay with me.  The idea is that there may be owners who, for whatever reason, have properties like schools, church buildings, hotels, restaurants, or even light industrial properties.  Typically these properties are in some type of extended process of transitioning uses or perhaps stand on a site that has become a land bank.
To safeguard property owners the from problems like squatting or vandalism, the property managers make some portion of the property livable and permitted, vet the “guardians” and manage the process.
Is it ideal?  No.  Is it a long-term solution?  No.  Have there been bad experiences?  Probably.
These programs typically are not targeted to serve the traditional unhoused population.  Depending on the program and the administrator, guardians may be graduate students, young professionals, or creatives  who need more space than they can afford.  In some cases, they may be expected to volunteer in return for below-market housing cost, and to have a “move-on” plan when their arrangement ends.
Have you heard of these programs in the United States?  If you have, drop me a note, I’d love to know more.