WHAT

The Holding Project is a social enterprise which seeks to build micro-homes for young people and professionals in Northern Ireland.

As it becomes harder for the millennial generation across the UK to become socially and economically mobile because of housing shortages and costs, The Holding Project allows someone to live for a set period of time in the community through which they will save to a financial goal. This is achieved by holding an agreed portion of a residents rent which is returned to them upon leaving the project.

The money saved could be used to buy a house, start a business or even travel. The hope is to offer an alternative approach to housing which fosters a sustainable community in eco-friendly, compact homes.

WHY

Young people are increasingly marganialised when it comes to housing, particularly those without buffers, or the 'bank of mum and dad'. The private rental market offers limited choices to renters which are, generally, of poor quality. Similarly, it is young people, single people who are in the greatest housing stress as they are lowest on the list to receive social housing.

In order to address the root cause of the problem The Holding Project aims to effectively allow young people to enter the formal housing market, start a business or travel.

HOW

Our aim is to raise £30,000 in order to construct the first prototype for the project. This is based on our current design and costing. By building the first prototype we hope to have a proof of concept through which we can attract further investment and capital in order to complete the target of 20 homes.

It will also allow young people and potential users to give feedback about the spaces. The money raised here will be used in conjunction with grants from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and UnLtd who have supported the project from an early stage.

Visit our website: http://www.theholdingproject.co.uk