Ilé-Yaad aims to provide affordable and sustainable housing for African and Caribbean people in Kent. They aim to create an integrated, intergenerational and collaborative community of around 6-12 households, with members having their own homes and shared facilities and being involved in collective and democratic decision making.
Rooted in the values of collaboration, sustainability, and cultural celebration, they aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers their members to thrive.
The name, “Ilé-Yaad” reflects the multicultural essence of the community, meaning home or house in Yoruba and Jamaican Patois. Wider meanings imply family, community, hospitality and interdependence. It also symbolises a commitment to building welcoming, sustainable and supportive housing for all.
Members of Ilé-Yaad have experienced rising private rents, insecure housing situations despite working and contributing to society, difficulty meeting affordability checks, and the challenge of saving for deposits while managing everyday costs. Members range from their 20s to their 60s, bringing together professionals in IT, clinical psychology, housing, fitness & wellbeing, sustainable farming, alongside creatives, singer-songwriters, illustrators, and writers. They believe there must be another way.
Their mission is to establish an interdependent cohousing community that fosters a range of affordable rental solutions, prioritising sustainable living, minimal environmental impact, and cultural values, embracing innovative models and leveraging initiatives such as the No Use Empty Scheme to repurpose and redevelop abandoned and derelict properties.
Ilé-Yaad principles can be summarised as:
- Affordable Housing: Provide cost-effective homes that address systemic inequalities and high housing costs.
- Sustainability: Create eco-friendly homes that minimise environmental impact while promoting resource efficiency.
- Cultural Connection: Create a community that reflects and celebrates African and Caribbean heritage and values.
- Empowerment Through Collaboration: Foster skills development and mutual support among members using co-operative principles.
- Community Building: Establish a thriving neighbourhood with shared resources and intergenerational connections.
