Bob Green OBE, former CEO of Stonewall Housing, Housing and Equalities Consultant
Bob Green (he/him) has worked in various roles within social housing for over 30 years, including 14 years as Stonewall Housing’s CEO. He is currently working for LGBT Foundation with Manchester City Council to deliver the UK’s first purpose-built LGBT Extra Care Scheme. Bob was awarded an OBE for his services to LGBTQ+ communities in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List.
Why it is so important for housing to make LGBT provision a high priority on their agenda?
Despite some advances in equality legislation and the great work done by some social housing organisations, such as HouseProud and Rainbow Roofs, the number of LGBTQ+ people facing harassment, family breakdown and domestic abuse, continues to rise.
LGBTQ+ people are struggling to find safe, affordable housing, they are more likely to experience homelessness and, unfortunately, they often miss out on services due to discrimination and the stigma of being homeless.
What are standout moments during your 14 years as the CEO of Stonewall Housing?
I was proud to lead Stonewall Housing with staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to get people into safe and secure homes. One of the highlights of my job was witnessing LGBTQ+ organisations work together to tackle youth homelessness, domestic abuse and our communities’ mental and physical health needs.
It has also been wonderful to see new community groups, like Tonic, Outside Project and Micro Rainbow, develop new solutions to meet our housing needs and aspirations.
Great things are happening in housing for our communities but much more needs to be done because I still meet LGBTQ+ people who are going spare with loneliness or living in fear in their own home. LGBTQ+ groups have the answers, but they need support to make these a reality, in challenging times when our communities are under relentless attack.
What is the change you would like to see in our community?
We cannot say that there is an LGBTQ+ community until we all feel like we belong. Some sections of our communities are more likely to be homeless or live in poverty, feeling isolated and excluded. I would love to see us all become more welcoming so that no one is left out and we can shape our future together.
Stonewall Housing runs a weekly LGBTQ+ Housing Advice Drop In at London Friend
WHAT: Stonewall Housing is a specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) housing advice and support provider in England. They provide housing support for LGBT people in their own homes, supported housing for young LGBT people, as well as free, confidential advice for LGBT people of all ages.
WHEN: Every Friday from 2pm to 3.30pm. Please contact Stonewall Housing for further information.
WHERE: 86 Caledonian Road
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