A TEENAGER has been credited for devising a solution to Birmingham’s housing problems – and been shortlisted for a national award.
There are currently more than 11,500 empty or derelict homes in the city, according to the Empty Homes Agency.
And with thousands of young people unable to leave home because of crippling rents, Cally Clark Traversari, aged 18, has come up with an enterprising proposal.
The former St Edmund Campion pupil said young people should be encouraged to renovate such properties in return for reduced rents to live in them.
Cally launched her campaign through the youth engagement website www.socialbreakfast.org after hearing from friends, who were struggling to afford their own homes.
Just one month in, more than 700 people have shown their support, via social networking website Facebook.
Cally has since met David Ireland, the Chief Executive of the Empty Homes Agency, and written to Housing Minister Grant Shapps. She is now in the running for a Sheila McKechnie Campaigner Award which supports emerging and grassroots campaigners.
The winner will be given personal coaching by an experienced campaigner, mentoring sessions with experts and support to develop the campaign.
Cally, of Erdington, said: “I wanted to move out when I first started work and I couldn’t believe how expensive rents were. Those on the minimum wage simply can’t afford to live independently.
“I’m finally leaving home next week, but only because I’m moving in with my boyfriend. We’ve had to scrape the money together.
“This is not about moaning, but exploring solutions which could work.”
Cally devised the campaign after landing a six-month work placement as a citizen journalist for socialbreakfast.com, run by Ashram Housing Association.
Ashram Chief Executive Jas Bains said: “This campaign was developed by Cally and has inspired a huge response. Socialbreakfast is all about giving young people a voice and Cally has done exactly that.”
Source: Evening Mail By Vicky Farncombe
Tags: ashram, bains, cally, jas, social breakfast
