Homebaked Community Land Trust
Tell us what you (or your business) does?
Homebaked Community Land Trust is a member-led and owned cooperative that aims to take homes and commercial spaces into community ownership. We have been working together as a community since 2012 to shape our neighbourhoods to meet the needs and dreams of those that live and love here, whilst asking the question, ‘What does it mean to live well, now and for the future?’. We aim to make our neighbourhood zero carbon, starting with working to improve the energy efficiency (and warmth and affordability!) of our homes, through the work of the Cosy Homes Club. We deliver warm homes, good jobs and learning opportunities and places and spaces for people to gather, learn, make and be.
What’s your elevator pitch, your unique selling point and what makes you stand out from other similar businesses?
We are an open and community-led organisation. Anyone who wants to work in partnership with their neighbours is welcome to join us and play a role in our work.
What are passions and ambitions of the business or organisation?
We continue to ask our community, neighbours, friends and each other, ‘What does it mean to live well?’ Whatever the answers are to that, are the ambitions of our organisation.
What is your public business or organisation’s address?
The team are based at the Breckfield Centre on Breckfield Road North
Why is it important that your business is in Anfield/Everton? What purpose is it serving?
We were set up by and for the people of this neighbourhood. A community land trust is a vehicle for local people to collectively own and develop assets that meet the needs and aspirations of our community
What does this neighbourhood mean to you?
As the majority of our team and members are from this community, this is an important place in many different ways. It is our bread and butter, our everyday extraordinary, our primary love and attention. Our members believe in the area and the potential of the people here. We believe that together we can create a place that serves our needs, brings us joy and enables us to live productive and fulfilling lives.
What advice would you give a new, local person starting up their own business or organisation in Anfield/Everton?
Find the balance of passion and reality. Connect (through AID!). Learn from others, get support from others. Make a conscious effort to avoid the scarcity mindset which often leads to siloed working and unhealthy competition rather than collaboration and innovation. Be optimistic. Be part of the change.
What are your aspirations for the area / what would you like the neighbourhood to look like in 5 or 10 years’ time?
A diverse high-street where there is choice and alternatives. A good amount of community-owned and led businesses. A place where people can open the businesses they’ve always dreamed about on their high-street. Streets where there are no shutters down, where more people mingle and connect. More nice spaces for people to gather and reflect as a community. Spaces to meet your mates, to laugh and cry together. Places for office workers, for baristas and cocktail makers, for sewers and makers, builders and dreamers. A place where you can walk out of your door and into work in 5-minutes. A place that offers dignity, hope, optimism, safety. A place to build a good life, a good career, a good time. A place that feels diverse and interesting. More of the best of what we already have. Trees on the street and the sound of birdsong. Cycling and walking and leave the car at home days. A place to visit. A place to call home.
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