Housing Justice was created in 2003 when CHAS (Catholic Housing Aid Society) and CNHC (Churches’ National Housing Coalition) merged. In January 2006 Housing Justice expanded further when it merged with UNLEASH (Church Action on Homelessness in London). Housing Justice combines over 60 years’ experience with the energy of a new organisation.

The launch of Housing Justice was marked by a service of celebration at St Martin in the Fields in central London, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O’Connor and other senior church figures.

Celebrating the launch, the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of the shared commitment of all Christians to tackle homelessness and housing injustice. At the launch participants added their signatures to a banner outside the church demanding Decent Housing and calling for every person to have a home that truly meets their needs.

“To have somewhere we call home is a fundamental part of our human dignity. Home is the place where we build our families and find the space to develop alongside friends and loved ones. To be deprived of such a basic necessity is to feel less than human.”

“A just society must care for all its members, but especially those in most need. As Christians and Catholics we have a special responsibility to work on behalf of homeless people. We must be their advocates, and we must do everything we can to provide for their needs, both practical and spiritual.”

“This is what Housing Justice is all about and why I warmly welcome its launch. By working together as Christians we will have greater impact. We want everyone who wants a home to have one.”

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