The sight of boarded-up buildings against a backdrop of increasing homelessness was something that The Big Issue magazine couldn’t just stand by and watch. Happily, we know now it’s not just us – since Fill ‘Em Up was launched people have thrown their weight behind the campaign.
It’s great to know the support is there but we need more than support to make things happen.
We need ideas – and inspiration.
We’re highlighting some great work being done to bring empty homes back into use but we’d like to hear about other communities who are rolling up their sleeves and tackling this issue themselves.
Scotland has so far been leading the way – the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership brought 558 homes back into use last year. Under the scheme, Shelter Scotland co-ordinates local authority work and the results show this is something that’s definitely worth doing in other parts of the UK.
So don’t be shy! Shout about your achievements or those of your community. Email editorial@bigissue.com or tweet @bigissue