Homes Built with Heart. Communities Built Together.
We’re addressing the UK housing crisis with a unique blend of self-build, volunteering and community spirit.
About Us
Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC) was founded to create affordable homes through a unique combination of sweat equity and shared ownership. Our model enables home partners to contribute labour towards the building of their homes, reducing financial barriers while fostering a strong sense of community. Originally focused on Liverpool, HPBC has expanded its community-led housing model to Wigan.
St Bernard’s Project
In March 2018 we began construction on the St Bernard’s project working in partnership with Onward Housing Group. We gained planning permission in November 2017 to continue our trail-blazing community-building programme on the land generously gifted to HPBC by the Liverpool Roman Catholic Archdiocese. St Bernards Church had been empty for five years and had fallen into disrepair.
St William’s Project
Located in Ince, Wigan, the St William’s development has transformed a much beloved local landmark and adjacent land and presbytery into 27 energy efficient homes while preserving the historic character of the church and presbytery alongside new build homes...
St Bernard’s Project
In March 2018 we began construction on the St Bernard’s project working in partnership with Onward Housing Group. We gained planning permission in November 2017 to continue our trail-blazing community-building programme on the land generously gifted to HPBC by the Liverpool Roman Catholic Archdiocese. St Bernards Church had been empty for five years and had fallen into disrepair.
St William’s Project
Located in Ince, Wigan, the St William’s development has transformed a much beloved local landmark and adjacent land and presbytery into 27 energy efficient homes while preserving the historic character of the church and presbytery alongside new build homes...
Volunteer with us
Our volunteers are a mix of individuals, students, corporate volunteers and community, interest and faith groups. They get involved in nearly all aspects of construction under the supervision of our qualified site staff.
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Become a Home Partner
At HPBC we use the ‘sweat equity’ initiative to enable future homeowners to earn £10,000 towards the deposit on their homes and at the same time foster a strong sense of community by helping to build their own home and those of their future neighbours.
Partner With Us
Since our incorporation in 2003, HPBC has benefited greatly from the generosity of countless volunteers, corporate donors, expertise from businesses and individuals, academic institutions and organisations.
News & Insights
What Our Volunteers Do
Volunteering with HPBC is a profound experience learning new skills, making friends for life and showing the values of a company. Help to create your own legacy by building a new community where people don’t just live side by side, but are supportive neighbours.
Current Projects
HPBC currently has two pre-applications submitted for approval. These are both in the Wigan area and we hope to be moving to full planning early spring with building work beginning on the first project of 26 homes in Leigh summer/early autumn 2026.
The One Show
Follow Lisa and Chris’s journey as they move into their new home and look to the future. The clip is an excellent insight into how the charity works and how to get involved.