Homes Built with Heart. Communities Built Together.
We’re addressing the UK housing crisis with a unique blend of self-build, volunteering and community spirit.
About Us
Housing People, Building Communities (HPBC) was founded to create affordable homes through a unique combination of sweat equity and shared ownership. Our model enables home partners to contribute labour towards the building of their homes, reducing financial barriers while fostering a strong sense of community. Originally focused on Liverpool, HPBC has expanded its community-led housing model to Wigan.
St William’s Project
Located in Ince, Wigan, the St William’s development has transformed a much beloved local landmark and adjacent land and presbytery into 27 energy efficient homes while preserving the historic character of the church and presbytery alongside new build homes...
Get Involved
Volunteer
HPBC needs volunteers who are willing to get stuck in to help build the homes, with administrative support, providing refreshments for team builds and advocates for the charity. Learn new skills, empower individuals and the community and help to provide a safe, decent and affordable home for everyone
Partner
HPBC needs organisations, businesses, educational institutions and groups to support us to build affordable homes utilising our unique sweat equity model. By partnering with HPBC you will be helping to provide a better future for families and entire communities.
Donate
Donating to HPBC enables the building of affordable homes through financial or material contributions, expertise and skills training. Donating your time, materials or services creates a lasting impact beyond the immediate effect of a donation into forever homes and loving communities.
Building Innovation Awards 2024, Most Innovative Affordable Housing Project, Most Innovative Partnership
National Recognition & Awards
Our impact has been featured in reports by Lloyds Banking Group, the Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York, and the National Custom & Self-Build Association (NaCSBA).
We also receive support from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Self-Build, Custom-Build, and Independent Housebuilding. More recently, HPBC has been featured on The One Show, BBC Breakfast, Northwest Tonight and appeared in The Guardian, Sunday Times and numerous other publications.
HPBC has won over 25 national awards with 6 being for their latest development Ince, wigan.
Our Gallery
News & Insights
What Our Volunteers Do
Volunteering with HPBC is a profound experience learning new skills, making friends for life and showing the values of a company. Help to create your own legacy by building a new community where people don’t just live side by side, but are supportive neighbours.
Current Projects
HPBC currently has two pre-applications submitted for approval. These are both in the Wigan area and we hope to be moving to full planning early spring with building work beginning on the first project of 26 homes in Leigh summer/early autumn 2026.
The One Show
Follow Lisa and Chris’s journey as they move into their new home and look to the future. The clip is an excellent insight into how the charity works and how to get involved.