URGENT APPEAL
To support housing co-ops for care leavers & renovation of our historic HQ
After a productive start-up period, including establishment of Olan Homes co-operative housing network, Olan Trust recently launched its first funding appeal.
Thanks so much to all those who contributed to our appeal. Contributions are still welcome. We will update our blog with the latest news. We are preparing our care-leavers project now and hope to launch this project, and our refurbished office by the Summer. Special thanks to all those who have contributed to much hard graft to refurbishing our office. Keep a look out for an invite to our launch party!
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 Crofton Park Library Olan HQ |  Renovations |  Team at previous office |
|---|---|---|
 Prospective supported co-op |  Renovations |  Cabin living space |
Proposed supported accommodation in Bromley, South London
Our appeal has supported these two projects:
1) HOMES for
CARE LEAVERS
The Olan Homes network has successfully established 15 housing co-ops across England. As a result we have now been given the opportunity to work with a fostering organisation, and to provide and support housing co-operatives for care leavers in London. These are some of the most disenfranchised people in our society - those who have been without a family in Council care, or in temporary foster care.
This appeal is urgent due to the a narrow window to meet the contract requirements.
Our first proposed property is a 'mansion' in Bromley (pictured below), which will help us provide 24 hour supervision and mentoring to help these young members receive that crucial support in their early life that most people take for granted. This will be the first co-operative home in the country specifically for care leavers. It is a model we hope will prove more efficient for the public purse and provide better value & outcomes for everyone involved.
This project compliments the housing co-operatives that Olan Homes has been running successfully across England for the last few years, providing sustainable, communal, extremely affordable, and space-efficient housing in places as diverse as Lyme Regis, Bristol, & South London.
Olan HQ at Crofton Park Library
2) LIBRARY RENOVATION
As you may know, we have been renovating our historic headquarters at Crofton Park Library (pictured above), working with Eco Communities CIC, a group of community volunteers.
The Trust extends a huge thanks to those who have volunteered in the last two years to bring parts of this stunning building back into use, including those professionals who've offered their time. We have renovated roofing, tiles, plaster, new plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, glazing, and security, and our team has acquired many skills on the way.
However, we also uncovered a number of unexpected challenges, and to complete the works and get our headquarters finally running we need your help for the final push, removal of some hazardous materials, completion of electrical wiring, plastering, installing toilet facilities, restoration of the interior, and the gardens.
OUR
MISSION
Olan Trust strives to contribute to human sustainability and resilience - as a research body, policy thinktank, and service provider.
Our first service is a network of tenant-lead housing co-operatives (Olan Homes), providing affordable, sustainable, low-impact, and space-efficient homes.
BUILDING
PAST & FUTURE
This beautiful late Victorian building was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish industrialist born in Glasgow in poverty who went on to become an industrialist in the USA, he also became a philanthropist and built community buildings for poor communities around the world.
You can help Olan Trust prevent its decline, restore this neglected building, and make it a local gem, and a thriving hub for Olan Trust members. The finished interior will be a fusion of traditional and elegant modern design.
FUTURE PROVISION
In addition to the existing library, bookshop and community café on the ground floor, our work will use the first floor to create a relaxing and vibrant centre. It will provide a public garden area outdoors, a community cinema venue in the library, and a workhub & meeting room service for activists, groups and local freelance workers and students. The office will provide headquarters, meeting, and training centre for Olan Trust staff, members, and volunteers.