What can the housing sector do to better support marginalised communities and build a more inclusive society?
In this episode, Chief Executive of Elim Housing Association, Paul Smith, shares his work with diverse communities, the challenges of overcoming prejudice, and the importance of creating inclusive housing opportunities.
Paul has 35 years of experience in housing, including roles in youth homelessness and local government. As Chief Executive of Elim Housing Association, Paul leads a provider specialising in supporting Traveller communities, the homeless, and people with complex needs.
We dive into the important role small housing associations like Elim play in bridging gaps, advocating for fair resources, and reshaping housing for marginalised
communities, all while navigating the challenges of limited funding and entrenched stigma.
Paul’s approach focuses on collaboration, bold partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to delivering the support every community deserves.
In this episode, we cover:
● How to equip housing staff to support the needs of the Traveller community.
● Why integrating diverse communities into mainstream housing matters.
● The role of small housing providers in addressing community gaps.
● How to build lasting relationships with vulnerable communities.
● Spotting and overcoming prejudice and discrimination in housing practices.
● How partnerships and collaboration can help to deliver better outcomes.
● The challenges of balancing funding with the need for specialist services.
● How to adapt housing policies to meet the needs of all communities.
● What’s being done to create fair housing opportunities for the Traveller community.
Paul Smith’s passion for inclusivity and drive to create real change is nothing short of inspiring. Listen in to hear how Elim is proving that being small doesn’t stop them from making a mighty impact.