BCM HOMES
Supporting people into housing
INTRODUCTION
We are excited to launch BCM Homes, a new housing charitable organisation dedicated to providing homes for young people leaving BCM services or facing homelessness.
We believe deeply in the Housing First model: the proven principle that having a stable place to call home is central to all other progress in life. Once a young person has a safe place to call their own, the path to overcoming poverty and social exclusion becomes more achievable. Everything else follows on!
Our First Step
For our launch, we are hitting the ground running with an initial goal to purchase and provide twelve homes located across North Down, Mid Ulster, and Dungannon. Whether these properties become a long-term home, or a vital stepping stone toward greater independence, we are here to support every journey.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
While BCM has a proud, longstanding history of transforming young lives through our Housing Support for Young People services, recent times have made finding affordable, permanent homes tougher than ever for those facing disadvantage early in life. Lacking housing credits, savings, or rental history often pushes young people into hostels or precarious “sofa surfing” situations.
BCM Homes is here to change that narrative. We are stepping up to give the next generation the secure start they deserve.
Overcoming isolation
ABOUT BCM HOMES
BCM Homes is a trading company, limited by guarantee, which is in the process of being accredited as a Charity in Northern Ireland.
By Spring 2027, we aim to commence purchasing homes via a mix of BCM’s own socially- focused investment, and financing from the NI Government’s FTC Loan to Acquire Move on Accommodation.
This financing is designated to provide homelessness prevention solutions from within the community and voluntary sector. This forms a repayable social housing investment scheme, for which BCM Homes exists as a separate ‘sole purpose’ body.
BCM Homes shares in the values and ethos of BCM, although one distinction is that it is delivered on an entirely secular basis. As an orgnisation that exists solely to secure and provide homes, we are duty bound to offer it on this basis, and we are confident and consistent in our Christian Ethos in our other core BCM services.
BCM Homes will offer a supported , high quality starter home for these young people, at an affordable rental price, at 80% or less of private rental market rates for the area.
The Critical Window
The Need
AFTERCARE
Supporting moves
The work of BCM Homes won’t stop at simply buying a home for a young person to rent. but rather we seek to offer a targeted housing solution for young people facing homelessness.
We do not seek to become traditional landlords, nor are we a housing association.
Targeted Prevention
A young person with care experience is six times more likely to fall into homelessness than their peers, and this risk is highest in the days, weeks and months after transitioning out of a supported home environment.
Imagine at age 18, being handed the keys to a house, not knowing how to pay a bill, how to cook or how to wash and dry clothes. We don’t want to set these young people up to fail, and so that is where Floating Support comes in.
Our support will begin with preparatory steps during their stay in our other services- getting them ready to manage and afford their own home.
Practical help, advice and home visits will continue for up to two years into the tenancy.
wAYS TO SUPPORT THIS NEW SERVICE
Get involved
Donate
Support our operating costs in delivering the initial development and support work, either by a one off or regular donations.
Volunteer
do you have skills that could help to change a young life. Whether it’s a day’s painting or a garden makeover, we are keen to hear from you.
Invest
If you are a current or prospective landlord, we are keen to work alongside you in providing a stable and supported tenancy with a clear social outcome.
Sell
BCM Homes are looking for small to medium sized houses located anywhere in NI, but preferably in North Down, Mid Ulster and Dungannon areas.