In the same way that Innisfree’s story started in 1985 when the unmet housing needs of the Irish communities in London prompted some activists to set up a new housing association to serve the Irish communities, community activists in other minority communities were doing the same.

Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) housing associations were created in the 70s and 80s because the living situation for many BME families and their descendants was unacceptable. Set up to address the clear and obvious disadvantages facing some communities in accessing decent housing, in reality they have achieved much more. BME housing associations have played a huge role in society, pushing issues of race and equality into the mainstream and changing the housing landscape. But fast forward nearly 50 years and BME households are still more likely to experience overcrowding, poorer quality housing and fuel poverty. They are also more likely to live in England’s most deprived neighbourhoods and are less likely to own their home.

These BME housing associations, serving their communities up and down the country, have joined forces in the collaborative network of BME National.

BME National provides a consultative platform for BME housing issues, and continues to promote the needs of BME communities. The members of BME National are grappling with some of the most pressing social challenges of the day. We are committed to delivering homes and services to BME communities, but we need policymakers, local stakeholders and our partners to join us in addressing housing inequality.

To read the BME National statement in response to the August 2024 riots click the tab below.