We really need your help! Our common dwelling place; a 15 bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is now at the threshold of being refurbished into flats, leaving us in a possible state of homelessness. We are desperately looking for support from family, friends and the neighbouring community to save our home.

Who we are: The house consists of a diverse range of people with various backgrounds, ethnicities and ages (24 to mid 50’s). We all are vulnerable single adults working full-time in key sectors such as teaching, the NHS, governmental services, bus driving, hospitality, gardening and construction.

Whats happening: Currently the property is managed by a guardianship company which offers low rent in exchange for a lack of security. We have been notified that a planning application has been made to refurbish the property into six 2/3 bed flats by Lewisham council priced at market rate. This will involve our eviction and significant internal refurbishment.

Our grounds for rejection:

• There is a significant lack of affordable housing for single adults.
• To preserve the historic characteristics of the listed Victorian house and conservation area.
• Our current setup of shared amenities (three bathrooms and one kitchen) is a more efficient use of space and resources than installing more kitchens and bathrooms, therefore more sustainable than us renting single bed flats.

What we want: We are looking to delay the planning application whilst we negotiate a tenancy agreement directly with the council to maintain the property as a HMO household.
A tenancy agreement would give us the secure housing we need, save our home and tackling the wider housing crisis.

What you can do: We are advocating to maintain a roof over the heads of those who need it. We implore the relevant authorities and all of London to stand with us, to let our home remain our home. Sign this petition and lend your voice to our cause. Let's preserve 114-116 Manor Avenue as a sanctuary for vulnerable single adults.

If you have a little more time, please make an objection to the planning application here. The deadline for comments is the 1st of October.

Thank you very much for your support!